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SC bars FIA from taking action against journalists

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Jan 29 (APP): The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Monday barred the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) from taking action against specific journalists in an issue pertaining to the malicious campaign against the judiciary on social media.

The court also sought a report from the federal government within two weeks regarding complaints of some journalists. The top court directed the Director General FIA to hold a meeting with journalists concerned and adjourned the case till Tuesday.

A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa and comprising Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Musarrat Hilali, heard the suo-motu case about the FIA notices to journalists.

In its order, the court said it had been informed that the FIA had issued notices to some journalists for criticism over the judiciary. It said it was a right of every citizen and journalist to have criticism, adding actions shouldn’t be taken against them just for criticism.

It said that the Attorney General of Pakistan on behalf to government, has also assured that no action would be taken on the basis of criticism.

The court said that it has stopped the FIA to take actions against journalists to whom notices were served. It also directed the DG FIA to hold a meeting with the concern media men. The court inquired from the FIA officials that why the journalists has been summoned.

As per the order, the court sought report from federal government regarding incidents of torture against journalists within two weeks.

The further hearing of the case was adjourned till tomorrow. It may be mentioned here that representatives of journalists’ organizations also appeared before the court during the hearing.

‘Future List’ secures membership on Saudi Journalists Association Board: Al-Ahmari

By
Iqra Yousaf Iqra Yousaf
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ISLAMABAD, Jan 29 (APP):The ‘Future List’ has secured membership on the Board of Directors of the Saudi Journalists Association for the next four years, along with two additional members.
           As per the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Al-Ahmari, the editor-in-chief of Independent Arabia, was elected as the Chairman of the Authority in recent elections held at the Authority’s headquarters in Riyadh.
            The new Board of Directors comprises Bushra Al-Rabiah from the Al-Tawasul Centre, Hamid Al-Shehri, editor-in-chief of the Saudipedia platform, Dhikra Al-Atiwi from the Radio and Television Corporation, Zaid Bin Kami, deputy editor-in-chief of Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, along with two other members, Al-Ahmari and Ali Al-Hazmi, editor-in-chief of Sabq, and Fatima Al-Awfi from the Media Department.
            At the Ministry of Sports, Faisal Abbas serves as the editor-in-chief of Arab News, Lama Al-Shathri as the editor-in-chief of Sayidaty, Muhammad Al-Bishi as the editor-in-chief of Al-Eqtisadiah, Mamdouh Al-Muhaini as the general director of Al-Arabiya and Al-Hadath, Mai Al-Sharif as the assistant editor-in-chief of Independent Arabia, and Nour Nuqli as the deputy editor-in-chief of Arab News.

Pak-Iran collaborative approaches imperative to confront terrorism: FM Jilani

By
Iqra Yousaf Iqra Yousaf
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ISLAMABAD, Jan 29 (APP):Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani on Monday underlined the imperative for collective and collaborative approaches to confront terrorism that posed a common challenge to both Pakistan and Iran.
During a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir Abdollahian, who is on an official visit to Pakistan at the invitation of FM Jilani, he stressed that robust institutional mechanisms between the two countries on security cooperation should be fully leveraged, a Foreign Office statement said.
The senior officials from both sides were present at the meeting.
Underscoring the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran, FM Jilani reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepen and broaden the existing wide-ranging cooperation with Iran.
The two foreign ministers agreed to immediately appoint liaison officers in Turbat and Zahidan to further strengthen ongoing security and intelligence cooperation.
Noting that security and development are intrinsically interlinked, they also agreed to expand initiatives for economic and development cooperation, including through early operationalization of the joint border markets to uplift the socio-economic status of the people of both countries, especially those residing in the border regions.
The two sides also decided to establish a Joint Coordination Mechanism at the level of foreign ministers to oversee and steer progress on a common agenda for the prosperity and development of the two peoples.
Regular high-level engagements provide a leadership-driven impetus to the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Iran. In this backdrop, the foreign minister renewed the invitation to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to undertake a visit to Pakistan.

ECP successfully trains 970,000 polling staff

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Jan 29 (APP): The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has completed the training of 96% of the polling staff, which includes 970,000 out of a total of 976,000 staff members.

An ECP spokesperson said in a statement that the training for the remaining 6,000 polling staff would conclude within the next four days.

He said the preparations of February 8 general elections were being completed swiftly.

The ballot paper printing, conducted in three government press offices, is proceeding well.

Initiated on January 16 after the assignment of election symbols by the RO, this task is set to conclude by February 2 in the next four days.

According to an ECP spokesman, the ballot paper printing, carried out in three government press offices, is progressing smoothly.

Commenced on January 16 after the election symbols were assigned by the Returning Officer (RO), this task is expected to be completed by February 2 in the next four days.

The spokesman stated that, in collaboration with security agencies and the District Administration, the process of delivering ballot papers to all four provinces has commenced.

This delivery is being conducted using both road transportation and air transportation.

Moreover, starting January 29, 2024, the public can avail themselves of the 8300 SMS service to obtain information about their polling station and other details.

The 8300 SMS service, introduced from January 29, 2024, allows the public to access information about their polling station and other details.

To obtain their vote information, voters are required to send their Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) to 8300.

All voters are urged to promptly check the vote details for themselves and their family members to avoid any issues at the polling station.

The Election Commission has initiated an inquiry into the clashes and shootings between two political parties in Karachi, as well as the snatching of postal ballots in Swabi district. Reports have been sought from the Chief Secretary and IG for possible actions against those involved under election laws.

H.E. Mr. Hussain Muhammad, Consul General visited various stalls of Pakistani exhibitors at Pakistan Pavilion set up by Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) at Za’abeel Hall-7 Dubai World Trade Centre on January 29, 2024. 40 exhibitors from Pakistan are participating in the 4-day lucrative Arab Health exhibition

By
Khuram Maryam
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H.E. Mr. Hussain Muhammad, Consul General visited various stalls of Pakistani exhibitors at Pakistan Pavilion set up by Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) at Za'abeel Hall-7 Dubai World Trade Centre on January 29, 2024. 40 exhibitors from Pakistan are participating in the 4-day lucrative Arab Health exhibition
APP37-290124
DUBAIH.E. Mr. Hussain Muhammad, Consul General visited various stalls of Pakistani exhibitors at Pakistan Pavilion set up by Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) at Za'abeel Hall-7 Dubai World Trade Centre on January 29, 2024. 40 exhibitors from Pakistan are participating in the 4-day lucrative Arab Health exhibition

APP38-290124
DUBAI

Federal Minister Madad Ali Sindhi Visited the Federal Government College of Home Economics and Management Sciences

By
Khuram Maryam
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Federal Minister Madad Ali Sindhi Visited the Federal Government College of Home Economics and Management Sciences
APP35-290124
ISLAMABADFederal Minister Madad Ali Sindhi Visited the Federal Government College of Home Economics and Management Sciences

APP36-290124
ISLAMABAD

President Dr Arif Alvi chairing a meeting on the role of Masajid and Madaris in promoting education and creating awareness about health issues, at Governor House

By
Khuram Maryam
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President Dr Arif Alvi chairing a meeting on the role of Masajid and Madaris in promoting education and creating awareness about health issues, at Governor House
APP34-290124
KARACHI

President Dr Arif Alvi chairing a meeting on the role of Masajid and Madaris in promoting education and creating awareness about health issues, at Governor House

By
Khuram Maryam
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0
President Dr Arif Alvi chairing a meeting on the role of Masajid and Madaris in promoting education and creating awareness about health issues, at Governor House
APP33-290124
KARACHI

PHS call for ban on e-cigarettes, vapes  in KP

By
AHMD Raja
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PESHAWAR, Jan 29 (APP):Public Health Stakeholders of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Monday called for unanimous and aggressive efforts to permanently ban the use and sale of e-cigarettes and vapes in the province for the best interest of public health and sustainable tobacco control.
Blue Veins, a civil society organization, conducted a public health stakeholder consultation to deliberate on the interim ban by the KP government on vapes and e-cigarettes.
The consultation aimed to discuss future strategies and the way forward following the KP government’s decision, as outlined in a notification issued by the Home and Tribal Affairs Department.
The notification mandates all Deputy Commissioners to enforce a complete ban on the sale of e-cigarettes and vapes to individuals below 21 years old in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and prohibits their sale and storage within a 50-meter radius of educational institutions for 60 days.
The consultation, chaired by Haroon Saleem, Assistant Commissioner Headquarters Peshawar, had active participation from officials of the health department, tobacco control cell, government functionaries, health experts, CSOs, media, and other stakeholders.
The participants unanimously endorsed the need for comprehensive provincial-level legislation to ban the sale and storage of electronic cigarettes and vapes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The participants lauded the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s proactive approach in imposing an interim ban on vapes and e-cigarettes. They commended the government’s swift and decisive action, emphasizing its commitment to public health and the well-being of its citizens, especially the youth.
Assistant Commissioner Haroon Saleem expressed his views, stating, “The district administration and the provincial government are strongly committed to safeguarding our citizens from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine. We will take every necessary action to enforce this ban and protect public health.”
Despite being promoted as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes and a tool for cessation, it was emphasized that there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. E-cigarettes and vapes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive, challenging the harm reduction narrative used by the tobacco industry.
Sana Ahmad, Program Coordinator at Blue Veins, emphasized the importance of comprehensive legislation. “It’s crucial to have legislation that encompasses the inputs of all stakeholders. This will ensure that the laws we implement are effective, inclusive, and geared towards the well-being of our community.”
Mian Ateeq, a public health expert representing the Prevention Alliance for Sustainable Tobacco and Nicotine Control, added, “The ban on e-cigarettes and vapes is a significant step towards public health safety. It’s important to continue this momentum and create a robust legislative framework that addresses all aspects of tobacco and nicotine control.”

Federal Ombudsman assures to address issues of business community

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Jan 29 (APP): Wafaqi Mohtasib (Ombudsman) Ejaz Ahmed Qureshi on Monday said that the business community was playing an important role in the economic development of the country and assured of his cooperation in addressing their grievances.

While talking to a delegation of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Ajaz Ahmed Qureshi said that a separate portal for ICCI will be created to solve the grievances of the business community and if the complaints are not resolved within thirty days, they will be automatically transferred to the Ombudsman for redress.

He said that ICCI should form a committee to liaise with his organization for redress of complaints. He further said that about 200 institutions and departments of the federal government come under their jurisdiction and his organization dealt with 194,000 complaints last year.

More than 85% of the decisions were implemented, he said adding that every complaint in the Federal Ombudsman is decided within sixty days due to which there are no pending complaints.

He said that 22 regional offices and complaint centers are already available for immediate redressal. Soon regional offices in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir will be opened. These far-flung offices would benefit the common people a lot, he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President ICCI that ICC has more than 8,000 members who play an important role in the development of the economy by promoting industrial and commercial activities.

He said that ICCI members have to face issues with Federal Board of Revenue and other institutions and urged to appoint a focal person of the Federal Ombudsman for ICCI to help solve the issues of the business community. He said that if the problems of the business community are solved soon, the economy will develop better.

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