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FO spokesperson rubbishes Israeli media’s baseless reports targeting Pakistan

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 09 (APP): Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch on Friday rubbished as
“baseless” the reports published in the Israeli media, alleging any commitment by Pakistan to send nukes to support Iran.

At her weekly press briefing, the spokesperson responding to a query, rejected a Jerusalem Post’s report of August 6 which alleged that “if the conflict between Iran and Israel escalates, Pakistan plans to supply Iran with Shaheen-III medium-range ballistic missiles.”

“Such reports are patently false. Before paying any attention to such reports, it is important to reflect on the source behind such baseless reports and the malicious agenda behind them,” the spokesperson remarked.

She said, “This is a critical time in the Middle East. We, therefore, urge all parties, including the media, not to indulge in peddling of fake news.”

Mohsin Naqvi congratulates Olympics Gold Medalist Arshad Nadeem

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 09 (APP): Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi has congratulated Olympics Champion Arshad Nadeem on winning the Gold Medal in the Javelin Throw competition at the Paris Olympics and setting a new Olympics record.

The Interior Minister praised Arshad Nadeem’s exceptional performance, saying, “The entire nation is proud of you, and you have won the hearts of the people. You have not only become the Champion of the field but also of hearts.”

Mohsin Naqvi said that after 32 years, Arshad Nadeem has made history by winning a medal for Pakistan in the Olympics.

He added that Arshad Nadeem has hoisted the green flag high and achieved a remarkable and unforgettable feat.

Interior Minister attributed Arshad Nadeem’s success to his hard work and professional approach, saying, “Arshad Nadeem’s dedication and the nation’s prayers have borne fruit, and he has emerged victorious in the competition.”

Interior Minister said that Arshad Nadeem’s victory is a victory for Pakistan, which will always be remembered.

He added that Arshad Nadeem is a national hero who has made this day memorable for Pakistan.

Bilawal for federal, provincial patronage to improve athletics, sports for youth

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 09 (APP): Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Member National Assembly (MNA) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Friday urged the House to pave road map to ensure federal and provincial governments’ level patronage to improve athletics and sports facilities for the youth to produce more successful athletes like Arshad Nadeem.
Speaking at the National Assembly eighth session’s fifth meeting here at the Parliament House, the PPP Chairman welcomed the chief guest Imam Masjid-e-Nabawi (PBUH), Sheikh Dr Salah bin Muhammad Al Budair, Saudi Ambassador, Nawaf Bin Saeed Al Malaki and appreciated the Imam’s awe aspiring recitation of the Holy Quran.
Bilawal Bhutto also congratulated Athlete Arshad Nadeem for his victory in the Paris Olympics 2024.
“He made the impossible possible through his struggle and broke the world record. He brought gold medal for the nation and it’s the proof that when the youth of Pakistan is given an opportunity they bring laurels to the nation and do the formidable tasks,” he said.
He urged that this house must have the consensus that the children who have the capacity to outshine in all games should be given proper facilities and opportunities.
“Layari in Karachi has every child an accomplished footballer. Girls from Dera Ismail Khan are winning black belts in taekwondo without the patronage of the government. Neither federal nor provincial governments are supporting sportsmen. We should pledge that all provinces and the federation should join hands to establish endowment fund for sports so that talent hunt, training, support and promotion should be done to produce Arshad Nadeem from all provinces in Olympics,” Bilawal Bhutto demanded at the floor of the House.
Pakistan has great opportunity, talent in youth, whereas skills of its labourers had turned deserts in the Middle East to great cities, he said.
“We are a country from mountains to coasts blessed with all resources,” he added.
Taking the discourse to the political side, Chairman PPP, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the federal capital was formed only to serve the nation as it has no other history and purpose.
Since this city was established, the political leaders have been doing politics for generations but they have not been serving the purpose of national service but rather started conspiracies, leg pulling and paving the way for dictatorial coups that weakened the democracy, he added.
“There has been unprecedented politics of hatred and division in the country and due to it the nation is facing inflation, poverty and economic crisis,” he said.
Bilawal added that the law and order situation was aggravating across the country and the political leadership was unable to meet minimum consensus in the House to fight terrorism and other crises.
“We must chalk out a roadmap to fight our political fights within the political limits and bring minimum consensus on issues of extreme national interest and significance,” he said.
He commented on the Bangladesh crisis and said the entire region should learn from its experience that the politicians should give importance to the public issues.
The PPP Chairman underlined that the country and its institutions would have to uphold their professional duties and responsibilities as per the constitution other then they cannot function properly and serve the due purpose of national service.
He urged the political parties in the House to engage with each other for coping with pressing issues like security and other matters.

APP/ajb-sra

AIOU gears up celebrations of independence day

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 09 (APP): Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has completed its preparations for the nation’s Independence Day celebrations.

According to the AIOU, following the guidance of Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Nasir Mahmood, the campus has been decorated with national flags and illuminated buildings, creating a festive atmosphere. Visitors, including families and youth, have been flocking to the university in the evenings to enjoy the decorations, sparking patriotic enthusiasm.

It is worth mentioning that Allama Iqbal Open University regularly celebrates Independence Day with great enthusiasm every year.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Nasir Mahmood, had instructed that this year, we should celebrate Independence Day in such a way that it becomes an example for educational institutions across the country.

AIOU is among the first institutions to finalize its preparations, setting a high standard for other educational institutions.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Nasir Mahmood, commended Estate Officer Rao Zia Ur Rehman for his efforts in decorating the university and congratulated the entire Estate Office team for their diligent execution of duties.

NA Speaker welcomes Imam Masjid-e-Nabwi; commends his presence as matter of great pride, spiritual peace

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NA Speaker

ISLAMABAD, Aug 09 (APP): Speaker, National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Friday cordially welcomed the Imam of Masjid-e-Nabawi (PBUH), Sheikh Dr Salah Bin Muhammad Al Budair at the Parliament House with the delegation accompanied by the Ambassador of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Nawaf Bin Saeed Al Malaki.

The fifth meeting of the 8th session of the National Assembly commenced with the calming voice of Imam Sheikh Dr Salah Al Budair who recited the glorious verses of the Holy Quran advocating the commandments of Allah Almighty for the Muslims to keep unity intact among all their ranks to seek the blessings of their Lord. Deputy Speaker, National Assembly Syed Mir Ghulam Mustafa Shah was also present on this occasion.

The Speaker National Assembly, before the proceedings, announced that the Imam of Masjid-e-Nabawi was present in the House. “The National Assembly warmly welcomes His Excellency, the Imam and his presence is a moment of great pride and spiritual peace for us.”

Imam Sheikh Dr Salah Bin Muhammad Al-Budair along with his delegation witnessed the proceedings of the National Assembly.

On the occasion, the Speaker said the Masjid-e-Nabawi has a special status in the hearts of all Muslim nations. “The House desires to benefit from your knowledge and teachings. May Almighty Allah bless all of us to follow the teachings of the Holy Prophet PBUH,” Ayaz Sadiq said.

He also appreciated the Ambassador of KSA for being a staunch ambassador of Pakistan in the Kingdom.

The Speaker National Assembly also congratulated Arshad Nadeem on winning a gold medal in the javelin throw event of Paris Olympics 2024.

“Arshad Nadeem is a talented and distinguished athlete. Arshad Nadeem has won a gold medal by demonstrating hard work, acing skills and struggle. Arshad Nadeem’s services for the promotion of javelin throw in Pakistan are commendable. Arshad Nadeem has made Pakistan famous all over the world by throwing the longest throw in the history of the Olympics javelin throw,” Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said.

The whole nation is proud of Arshad Nadeem, he said after winning the gold medal in the javelin throw final and brought glory to the country and the nation. “Arshad Nadeem has created a new history in the sport of Olympics. He is an example for the youth of the nation that he has achieved the impossible through extreme hard work and struggle,” he added.

On the occasion, Minister for Defence, and Defence Production and Aviation, Khawaja Muhammad Asif said the Imam of Masjid-e-Nabawi’s presence in the House was a moment of great pride and honour. He also appreciated the Saudi Ambassador for his services and role as an ambassador of Pakistan in the Kingdom.

He also felicitated Athlete Arshad Nadeem for winning a gold medal and making the country proud. “Arshad Nadeem in Paris has raised the head of the nation with pride and honour as after three decades’ hiatus he brought a medal in Olympics for the country,” he said.

The minister said the national athletes used to prepare for games in great neglect and dilapidation without the patronage of the government and resources.

“All the sports federations including javelin have no performance and patronage of the government except the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that only looks after cricket. There is only politics in all the federations of the country including football, hockey, and the Olympics federation etc.,” Khawaja Asif said.

He derided the previous Presidents of the Olympic Association of Pakistan who stuck to their positions for decades but failed to achieve any convincing performance or betterment in the games.

Khawaja Asif mentioned that all the sports federations had no structures but rather parallel forums were operating along with them. “This House also has this role and government has the prime duty taking the responsibility to cleanse the sports federations from politics,” he added.

APP/ajb-sra-zah

Pakistan determined to bolster economic ties with Turkiye: Jam Kamal

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KARACHI, Aug 09 (APP): The Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, highlighting the vast potential of trade and investment in agriculture sector, on Friday, said that Pakistan was determined to bolster economic relations and bilateral trade with the brotherly country of Turkiye.

He was speaking at a breakfast meeting hosted here Friday in honor of the Turkish delegation led by Turkiye Minister for Trade Prof. Dr. Omer Bolat, arrived in Pakistan to participate in Food Ag Expo 2024. Turkiye’s Deputy Trade Minister Mustafa Tuzcu, President TOBB Riffat Hisarciklioglu, President DIEK Nail Olpak and representatives of business, industry and investment bodies were included in the delegation.

Council General of Turkiye in Karachi Cemal Sangu, Ambassador of Pakistan in Turkiye Dr Yousuf Junaid, Chief Executive Trade Development Authority of Pakistan Zubair Motiwala, representatives of FPCCI, KCCI and other trade bodies as well as other officials also attended the meeting.

The commerce minister highlighted the vast potential of trade and investment in agriculture, food and agri-products in Pakistan and said that bilateral trade and investment opportunities were showcased in the FoodAg Expo 2024.

Pakistan and Turkiye enjoy close and cordial relations and leadership of both the brotherly countries was determined to further strengthen bilateral trade and economic ties with a futurist approach for progress and prosperity of people of both the countries who were bound together in historical, cultural, religious and economic relations, he noted.

The incumbent government under the vibrant and ambitious leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is focusing on enhancing volume of trade with current trade partners and exploring opportunities in the new markets, he said adding that government was encouraging and facilitating business to business contacts and exchange of delegation with B2B sectoral approaches for identifying the potential of trade.

The commerce minister while referring to recent business interaction and agreements with public sector entities and private companies from Saudi Arabia, UAE, China and Azerbaijan, said that Pakistan has good business relations with USA and EU countries while more opportunities could be explored along with Turkiye through trilateral arrangements.

The Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat expressing keen interest in bolstering economic and trade relations with Pakistan in various sectors said that a delegation comprising representatives of business, industry, exporters and investors was here to explore opportunities through B2B meetings, road shows and interaction with business forums and high-level officials in Pakistan.

Both Turkiye and Pakistan are considered as two countries and one nation due to historical, cultural and religious relation and remarkable passions possessed by both of the nations for each other, he remarked and underscored the need of leveraging those sentiments for bolstering bilateral economic and trade ties.

The Turkish minister said that governments of both the countries were paving the foundation of new avenues of progress and development for a brighter future for their people and they were determined to take bilateral relations in services, manufacturing, trade and other sectors to new heights.

Omer Bolat appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for political and economic stability and revival of growth momentum and termed it as a welcome sign.

Business representatives from both countries also spoke at the occasion and pointed out opportunities of reinforcing economic ties as well as issues faced.

Mohsin Naqvi meets Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Ahmed Al-Malki

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 09 (APP): Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi visited the Saudi Arabian Embassy in the Diplomatic Enclave and met with Saudi Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Ahmed Al-Malki here on Friday.

During the meeting, matters of mutual interest and ways to promote Pakistan-Saudi relations were discussed in detail.

Interior Minister assured the Saudi Ambassador of taking robust action against professional beggars traveling to Saudi Arabia.

He stated that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been directed to crack down against the mafia across the country involved in sending beggars to Saudi Arabia.

He said that this mafia is tarnishing Pakistan’s image abroad.

He highlighted that the people of Pakistan have great reverence and respect for Saudi Arabia.

He said that Saudi Arabia has always stood by Pakistan in difficult times.

The Saudi Ambassador said that both countries have brotherly relations.

Sheikh Abdul Aziz remembered on his 16th martyrdom anniversary

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 9 (APP): As the 16th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed-e-Azeemat Shaikh Abdul Aziz approaches, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) and other pro-freedom organizations in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) are coming together to honor the legacy of this iconic Kashmiri leader, whose contributions to the struggle for self-determination remain etched in the annals of history.

Shaikh Aziz was martyred by Indian troops on August 11, 2008, while he was leading a massive march to Azad Kashmir in protest against the economic blockade of the Kashmir Valley imposed by Hindutva extremists in Jammu. His death became a rallying point for Kashmiris, further intensifying the resistance against the oppressive Indian occupation, said a press release issued on Friday.

The APHC has called for special prayer meetings on Sunday to commemorate the martyrdom of Shaikh Abdul Aziz and others who have sacrificed their lives for the Kashmiri cause. “His enduring legacy continues to inspire and fortify the resolve of those fighting for the rights and dignity of the Kashmiri people”, the APHC added.

A coalition of voices within the APHC, including leaders like Ghulam Muhammad Khan Sopori, Syed Bashir Andrabi, Khawaja Firdous, Muhammad Yousuf Naqash, Javaid Ahmed Mir, Abdul Samad Inqilabi, Sleem Zargar, Maulana Musaib Nadvi, Muhammad Iqbal Mir, Yasmeen Raja, Ghulam Nabi War and others, along with organizations such as the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party, Jammu and Kashmir Muslim League, Jammu and Kashmir National Front, Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Freedom League and Kashmir Students Youth Forum, have pledged to continue the struggle until the complete liberation of Kashmir is achieved. They emphasized that the sacrifices made by Aziz and his associates during the 2008 uprising will never be forgotten.

In Srinagar, posters commemorating Shaikh Aziz serve as a powerful reminder of his courage, boldness, and unwavering commitment. These visual tributes reinforce his decision to embrace martyrdom rather than surrender, solidifying his status as a beacon of resistance against oppressive forces. The posters also underscore the collective determination of Kashmiris to persist in their struggle for freedom until they achieve their ultimate goal.

The message from these posters is clear: the Indian government’s attempts to crush the spirit of Kashmiris through massacres, oppression, and arrests are in vain. The resolve for freedom burns stronger than ever, with the sacrifices of martyrs like Shaikh Abdul Aziz continuing to fuel the movement toward ultimate victory.

PM vows to extend utmost support to exporters

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Port Qasim

KARACHI, Aug 09 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said that the government was determined to extend utmost support to exporters and producers to facilitate them in serving the country with full capacity.

The Premier was addressing as chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of the Food and Agriculture Expo-2024 (FoodAg24) here at the Expo Centre.

On the occasion, the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif along with others performed the digital inauguration of the event.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the last years export of rice and other Agri items was commendable and the ministers, administrative secretaries and all those who contributed in it deserve appreciation.

But this is not enough, because Pakistan got huge potential and this is high time to serve together with our full capacity, he added.

The Prime Minister called for the need to value addition to our produce and said for that we have to take appropriate steps like adaptation of latest technologies and more research and development. He also called for the need of comprehensive planning and effective implementation of the policies to achieve targets.

He said that ever since coming into power, the present government, many steps have been taken for growth of agriculture sector and referred the project to solarise 28,000 tube wells in Balochistan to provide the farmers with cheap electricity.

Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan will send 1,000 agricultural graduate to China to get higher education and training in agriculture and food sector.

Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed confidence that “nothing is impossible, if we all put our best efforts”.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated the Pakistani Athlete Arshad Nadeem for winning Gold medal and setting new Olympic record in javelin throw in the Paris Olympic-2024 and said that this is the victory for the whole country and we all should celebrate.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif along with other dignitaries presented awards to top three exporters including rice, fruit and vegetable and meat sectors.

Speaking on the occasion, Federal Commerce, Minister Jam Kamal said that the support of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the agriculture sector is exemplary and very encouraging for the entire community.

He said that the Pakistan’s Food sector is mature and the last year for the sector of Food and Agriculture remained excellent and achievements in the sector were manifestation of government’s policies.

He appreciated the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) for organizing the FoodAG-24 and said around 300 companies and 600 delegates are expected to attend the event.

Earlier, in his address, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TDAP Zubair Motiwala said that around 29 different types of fruits are being exported from the country world over. We are also conducting various events like seminar and workshop with a view to further increase our exports, he added.

Zubair Motiwala said that our next exhibition will be organized in Lahore in December this year.

Trade Minister of Turkiye Prof. Dr. Omer Bolat, Federal Commerce, Minister Jam Kamal, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Atta Tarrat, Sindh Governor, Kamran Khan Tessori, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and other notables were also present on the occasion.

Passing out parade of PCG recruits held

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Pakistan Coast Guard

KARACHI, Aug 09 (APP): A passing out parade of Batch 44 recruits of Pakistan Coast Guards (PCG) was held here at the Coast Guards Training Center Korangi on Friday. Director General Pakistan Coast Guards Brigadier Ghulam Abbas was the chief guest at the ceremony.

The officers of civil and armed forces, local dignitaries and people from different walks of life and families of passed out recruits attended the ceremony in large numbers.

According to press release issued by the PCG’s media wing, recruit Babar Ali stood first position and was awarded with honorary trophy by the Director General PCG, while Recruit Ishaq and Muhammad Nadeem received medals on securing second and third position respectively.

Addressing the ceremony, Director General PCG Brigadier Ghulam Abbas extended felicitations to the passed out recruits and said PCG is considered as an important and prestigious force of the country which is simultaneously deployed on sea and land and is performing duties in the two provinces of Sindh and Balochistan which makes it different from other Civil Armed Forces (CAFs).

Pakistan Coast Guards always performed very well against anti-national elements, especially drug and human traffickers, Brigadier Ghulam Abbas said and added that during the last one year, a large quantity of narcotics worth $ 236 million in the international market was seized besides confiscating illegal goods of over Rs 1475 million.

He said that the Coast Guards also deposited an amount of approximately Rs. 1156 million in the government treasury through various ways and also proved accused involved in the crimes as convicted criminals. He informed that PCG also arrested 1663 illegal immigrants from Jewani coastal belt.

Later, Brigadier Ghulam Abbas received guard of honour from newly passed out recruits.