Saturday, December 20, 2025
Home Blog Page 8475

Gilani pays tribute to Major Tufail on his 66th martyrdom anniversary

By
NNPS Desk
-
0

ISLAMABAD, Aug 08 (APP): Chairman Senate Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani paid tribute to Major Tufail Muhammad Shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider) on his 66th martyrdom anniversary.

“Major Tufail Muhammad has sacrificed his life fighting bravely against the enemy in 1958,” he said.

He said that Major Tufail Muhammad was awarded the highest military honor, Nishan-e-Haider, in recognition of his bravery and valor.

“The entire nation salutes Major Tufail Muhammad on his 66th martyrdom anniversary,” he said, emphasizing that the sacrifices of the martyrs have allowed us to breathe freely.

“The nation takes pride in its brave sons,” said Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani. “The sacrifices of the Pakistan armed forces for the motherland will never go in vain.”

He said that the sacrifices of the martyrs teach us lessons of unity, brotherhood, and patriotism.

Yusuf Raza said that May Allah Almighty elevate the ranks of Shaheed Major Tufail Muhammad.

Man killed in road accident

By
Imran Munir
-
0

BHAKKAR, Aug 08 (APP):A person was killed on Thursday while another injured as dumper rammed into a tree due to over speeding in Tehsil, Kallurkot .
One person was killed and another injured near Almoiz sugar mills in the accident, a Rescue 1122 spokesperson said.
The Rescue 1122 team, Mianwali shifted the body and injured to a nearby hospital.

ISSI holds roundtable on ‘Pakistan-ASEAN, a Growing Partnership’ on ASEAN Day

By
NNPS Desk
-
0

ISLAMABAD, Aug 08 (APP): The China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) hosted a roundtable titled “Pakistan and ASEAN: A Growing Partnership,” on the ASEAN Day at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) here Thursday.

The distinguished speakers included heads of Missions of ASEAN member states in Islamabad and Pakistan’s heads of Missions in ASEAN capitals. Ambassador Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, Additional Secretary (Asia Pacific), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was the chief guest. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI, made remarks at the event, whereas Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director CPSC, moderated the session. Prominent civil servants, diplomats, academicians, civil society members, and media personnel attended the event.

Ambassador Sohail Mahmood emphasized the growing partnership between Pakistan and ASEAN, highlighting the collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad (ACI). He acknowledged the leadership of ACI, which is presently chaired by H.E. Col. (Retd) Pengiran Haji Kamal Bashah Bin Pengiran Haji Ahmad and the valuable contributions of ASEAN Heads of Missions. Ambassador Mahmood underscored ASEAN’s global salience, noting its economic prowess with a GDP of $3.67 trillion and its strategic relevance in maintaining regional stability and economic integration, including through initiatives like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Ambassador Mahmood elaborated on Pakistan’s historical engagement with ASEAN, being the oldest Sectoral Dialogue Partner. He highlighted the expanding scope of collaboration, including trade, counter-terrorism, security, and people-to-people exchanges, with bilateral trade reaching nearly $11 billion in 2022. Emphasizing the need for accelerated progress, he pointed to the importance of implementing Practical Cooperation Areas (PCA) and exploring linkages with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He also stressed the importance of moving towards graduating the Sectoral Dialogue to Full Dialogue Partnership. Lastly, Ambassador Mahmood reiterated ISSI’s commitment to reinforcing efforts for strengthening Pakistan-ASEAN relations through ongoing ISSI-ACI dialogue, the ‘ASEAN Corner’, and ISSI-ASEAN think-tank network, fostering deeper ties for mutual prosperity and regional stability.

H.E. Col. (Retd) Pengiran Haji Kamal Bashah Bin Pengiran Haji Ahmad, Chairman ACI and High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam, highlighted the bloc’s commitment to stability, mutual cooperation, diversity, and inclusivity, which have been instrumental in fostering a resilient region. Ambassador Mohammad Azhar Mazlan, High Commissioner of Malaysia, emphasized the robust bilateral trade that has reached $1.5 billion in 2023-24.

In her remarks, Ambassador Maria Agnes M. Cervantes, the Philippine Ambassador to Pakistan, highlighted severe impact of climate change on both the Philippines and Pakistan, advocating for robust climate action with ASEAN’s support.

Ambassador Wunna Han, Republic of the Union of Myanmar, stressed the strong and multifaceted relationship between Pakistan and ASEAN member states that includes collaboration in areas such as education, religion, cultural exchanges and regional cooperation. Ambassador Pham Anh Tuan of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam underlined long-standing relations between ASEAN and Pakistan including in areas of mutual interest such as politics, culture, science, technology and education. Charge d’ Affaires of the Republic of Indonesia, Rahmat Hindiarta Kusuma, and Ms. Kamolawan Sriposil, Charge d’ Affaires of the Kingdom of Thailand, also spoke about growing Pakistan and ASEAN relations.

Muhammad Faisal shared an academic perspective, emphasizing ASEAN’s success in fostering regional economic support and good relations, serving as a valuable lesson for South Asia. He advocated for stronger dialogue partnerships and bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and ASEAN countries.

Pakistani Heads of Missions posted in ASEAN capitals made interventions at the event. Ambassador Ameer Khurram Rathore, Ambassador to Indonesia and ASEAN, emphasized the critical importance of ASEAN for Pakistan, highlighting the region’s role in maintaining peace, security, and economic integration. Ambassador Zaheeruddin Babar in Cambodia shared growing bilateral trade between Pakistan and Cambodia and highlighted efforts for the opening of a resident Cambodian mission in Islamabad. Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Malaysia Syed Ahsan Raza Shah highlighted the increasing number of Malaysian tourists visiting Pakistan and the robust investment relationship between the two nations. High Commissioner to Singapore Rabia Shafiq underlined that strong bilateral relations between Pakistan and Singapore serve as a crucial gateway to the ASEAN market.

Chief Guest Additional Secretary (Asia Pacific) Ambassador Imran Ahmed Siddiqui highlighted the significant achievements of ASEAN over the past 57 years, emphasizing the successful cooperation among member states towards the shared vision of “One Vision, One Identity, One Community.” Ambassador Siddiqui also underscored the potential for Pakistan to enhance collaboration with ASEAN in trade, economic, political, security, and social and cultural domains, drawing also on shared heritage such as the Gandhara Civilization and Islamic culture. Future avenues for enhanced cooperation were identified including tourism, climate change, counter-terrorism, combating Islamophobia, and cyber security.

The roundtable concluded with remarks by Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BoG, ISSI, who highlighted the evolution and significance of ASEAN over its 57-year history, emphasizing its role in promoting connectivity, trade, and investment in Southeast Asia and beyond. Earlier, in his remarks, Dr. Talat Shabbir highlighted the evolving partnership between Pakistan and ASEAN. He emphasized Pakistan’s status as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN since 1993 and highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to become a Full Dialogue Partner as part of the “Vision East Asia” policy.

Unprecedented cooperation between govt, institutions to rid country of challenges: PM

By
Ishtiaq Rao
-
0

ISLAMABAD, Aug 8 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said that the coalition government and the national institutions were in unprecedented harmony and cooperation to serve the better national interests and steer the country out of prevailing challenges.

The prime minister, addressing the Ulema-Mashaikh Conference here, said that the country never needed unity and national harmony more, and he had never seen such a level of cooperation between a political government and the institutions throughout his political career.

Appreciating the efforts and support extended by Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, also attending the moot, he said that such exemplary collaboration was a role model for the future.

He said that the challenges pervading the country necessitated learning lessons from past weaknesses and mistakes and making sincere efforts to develop Pakistan as a country as was dreamt by the forefathers and sacrificed hundreds of thousands of lives during the Pakistan Movement.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said the nation, which was about to celebrate its 77th Independence Day on August 14, was yet to find its destination, but the goal was achievable provided the dedicated efforts were made and the teachings of Quran and Sunnah were followed.

He called for the efforts to wipe out Fitna al Khawarij – a term referring to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan – which he said was involved in anti-Pakistan activities despite claiming to be a Pakistani. He also criticized the use of social media to spread lies and propaganda – particularly after 2018- instead of appreciating the government’s efforts for public services.

He said even the army soldiers, who sacrificed their lives to protect millions of other children from being orphaned, were being humiliated on social media.

Calling the May 9 attacks “the most heart-wrenching” incident in the country’s history, the prime minister highlighted that the characters behind the tragedy of 1971 met their fate in Bangladesh amidst the recent developments in the country.

He urged the Ulema to play their role to do away with the division in the society and highlight the Islamic economic system, and said that no force could obstruct the country’s development if the nation was determined to achieve its goal.

Prime Minister Shehbaz told the gathering that the government was making all-out efforts to address the economic challenges and expected the upcoming IMF program to be the last one. At the same time, it had scraped Rs50 billion to support the power consumers of the protected category consuming up to 200 units. But the consumers using 200-500 units of electricity were still under the burden, he added.

However, he assured the gathering that the coalition government and the COAS were in consultation to work out a comprehensive plan to ease the inflation-stricken people and the provinces would soon announce their respective plans in this regard.

He said the IMF Program was a compulsion to bring economic about stability, productive employment and reforms in the FBR and power sector.

ICT admin prepares for grand Independence Day celebrations

By
NNPS Desk
-
0

ISLAMABAD, Aug 08 (APP): The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration is gearing up for a grand celebration on August 14, marking Independence Day with a series of planned events throughout the city.

The ICT administration, led by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon, has outlined plans to ensure a smooth and secure celebration, said the spokesman.

In a meeting with representatives from various departments, the DC emphasized the importance of thorough preparation.

The city will be decorated with lights and special installations, while a cleanliness campaign will be launched to ensure a pristine environment on Independence Day.

meanwhile, educational institutions also contributing through various activities.

To further ensure that Independence Day 2024 is memorable for Islamabad’s residents, DC Memon had visited the Pak China Centre to review preparations for a significant function. He assured that the city would be beautifully decorated, with events organized across Islamabad to celebrate the occasion.

This year’s celebration aims to bring the community together, with a focus on both the aesthetic enhancement of the city and the active participation of its residents.

The ICT administration’s detailed planning reflects its commitment to making the day a remarkable experience for everyone involved.

NPO to organize webinar on “Sustainable Industrial Automation Techniques” on August 21

By
NNPS Desk
-
0

ISLAMABAD, Aug 8 (APP): The National Productivity Organization (NPO) is going to organize a webinar on “Sustainable Industrial Automation Techniques” on August 21.

Industrial automation involves utilizing advanced technologies like computers or robots, and information systems to control and manage various industrial processes and machinery, thereby reducing the need for human intervention, according to an NPO document shared here on Thursday.

The webinar aimed to improve production by increasing efficiency, productivity, and quality, while reducing costs and environmental impact, by automating repetitive tasks and minimizing human intervention, thus helping to combat climate change.

The workshop provides information about industrial automation, industrial revolutions, sustainability, SDGs , sustainable automation techniques, sustainable intelligent manufacturing, scale up for minimal bulk production variation techniques and techniques of conflict management and negotiations.

The workshop is designed for chief executive officers, directors, investors, senior management, middle management, team leaders and supervisors.

OPF set up PGFRC to assist returned Overseas Pakistanis

By
Imran Munir
-
0

ISLAMABAD, Aug 8 (APP):Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development has set up a Pakistani-German Facilitation & Reintegration Centre (PGFRC) in Lahore with an advisory desk at Overseas Pakistani’s Foundation (OPF) here at
head office.
An official source told APP here on Thursday, the objective was to facilitate the returning Overseas Pakistanis in terms of their skill development in Pakistan’s social and economic fabric for gainful employment.
It is being implemented in collaboration with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and supported by German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and Overseas Pakistani Foundation, Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis & Human Resource Development on technical assistance to the facilitation & reintegration centre for Pakistani workers has been signed.
This initiative is helping in creating more job opportunities/employability of Pakistani workers, that will improve economic development in the long run. The centre is providing various services including advice on training and skills development
Technical and vocational training, advice on job market trends and opportunities, advice on finding a job in Pakistan
Entrepreneurship and start-up support, psychosocial support and information on the health system in Pakistan and information on living conditions, advice on getting microfinance and loans.

C

Dacoit gang busted

By
Imran Munir
-
0
gang busted
SIALKOT, Aug 08 (APP):District police claimed to have arrested a two-member gang involved in robbery and dacoity here on Thursday.
The Cantt police team raided and arrested two outlaws and recovered Rs.175,000, nine motorcycles, mobile phones and weapons from their possessions.
Police said that the accused were wanted by the police in more than 24 different cases of dacoity and robbery.
DPO Sialkot Muhammad Hasan Iqbal has announced appreciation certificates and cash rewards for all the officers and employees involved in the police team.
P:imr/X:ftp/L:sna

PHA starts planting saplings on city roads, green belts

By
NNPS Desk
-
0
Parks and Horticulture Authority

RAWALPINDI, Aug 08 (APP): Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) Rawalpindi has started planting saplings on the city roads and green belts under ongoing plantation drive 2024.
According to a PHA spokesperson, PHA was planting saplings and enhancing greenery in the city.
As part of the ongoing plantation drive organized by PHA, Rawalpindi, the work of planting saplings along the green belts and city roads was started, she said.
Saplings were being planted to ensure the beauty of the city and achieve the plantation goals, she said adding, on the special directives of the Director General PHA, Rawalpindi, the work of planting saplings specially on the green belts and city roads had been accelerated.
Ornamental plants were also being planted on city roads and green belts under the plantation drive to make the city more beautiful and attractive, she said.
The plantation campaign was being run with the help of the students and civil society and in this regard context, special goals had also been set, she informed.
She urged the citizens to actively participate in the ongoing plantation drive and plant saplings and ornamental plants.

Extreme heat in July debilitates hundreds of millions worldwide: UN agency

By
NNPS Desk
-
0
Effects of climate change increasing in Asia, UN weather agency

UNITED NATIONS, Aug 08 (APP): : Last month saw another extreme weather milestone with the world’s hottest day on recent record registered on 22 July – yet another indication of the extent to which greenhouse gas emissions from human activities are changing the climate, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), a UN Geneva-based agency, has reported.

Global average temperatures for 13 consecutive months from June 2023 to June 2024 also set new monthly records.

“Widespread, intense and extended heat waves have hit every continent in the past year. At least ten countries have recorded daily temperatures of more than 50 degrees Celsius in more than one location,” WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said in a statement .

These trends underline the urgency of the Call to Action on Extreme Heat, a new initiative launched in July by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to enhance international cooperation to address extreme heat.

“Earth is becoming hotter and more dangerous for everyone, everywhere,” stressed the UN Chief.

Extreme heat is causing a ripple effect felt right across society.

An annual 1℃ increase in temperature leads to a 9.1 per cent increase in poverty. Moreover, 12 per cent of all food produced is lost due to a lack of cooling and working hours equivalent to 80 million full-time jobs could be lost due to heat stress by 2030.

The consequences have become deathly. Nearly half a million heat-related deaths occurred each year from 2000 to 2019.

Taken together, extreme heat is tearing through economies, widening inequalities, and derailing the future of the Sustainable Development Goals.

“This is becoming too hot to handle,” said Ms. Saulo.

The UN chief launched the Call to Action to mitigate the dire environmental and socioeconomic consequences that are already evident.

The initiative emphasizes the need for concerted effort in four critical areas: caring for the vulnerable, protecting workers, boosting resilience of economies and societies using data and science, and limiting temperature rise to 1.5℃ by phasing out fossil fuels and scaling up investment in renewable energy.

It brings together the expertise and perspectives of ten specialised UN entities, underscoring the diverse multi-sectoral impacts of extreme heat on human health, lives, and livelihoods.

“The WMO community is committed to responding to the UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action with better heat-health early warnings and action plans,” said Ms. Saulo, adding that recent estimates indicate that the global scale-up of heat health-warning systems for 57 countries alone has the potential to save around 98,000 lives per year.

1...8,4748,4758,476...31,054Page 8,475 of 31,054

ABOUT US

Serving the nation since 1947 by providing an accurate, objective, uninterrupted flow of news to the people, the national news service is pursuing a comprehensive strategy to transform the existing news operations into a forward-looking service – APP Digital for its diverse subscriber-base and the public.

Contact us: news@app.com.pk

FOLLOW US

Copyright © Associated Press of Pakistan