Machinery import goes up by 6.36% in five months

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Mon, 1 Jan 2024, 5:12 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jan 1 (APP): The imports of the overall machinery group witnessed an increase of 6.36 per cent during the first five months of the current fiscal year (2023-24) compared to the corresponding period of the last year, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported.The total imports of the machinery group during July-November (2023-24) stood at $ 2,935.576 million against the imports of $2,760.055 million during the same period of the last year.

The import of agriculture sector machinery and equipment surged by 60.76 per cent from $19.784 million to $31,804 million; office machinery including data processing equipment 57.11 per cent from $129.909 to $204.095 million; construction and mining machinery by 3.87 per cent from $33.260 million to $34.546 million; electricity machinery and apparatus 17.10 per cent from $778.902 million to $912.073 million; telecom related equipment 74.36 per cent from $455.625 to $794.445 million; mobile phone 112.20 per cent from $290.550 to $616.541 million and other apparatus 7.77 per cent from $165.075 million to $177.904 million.

However, during the period under review, the import of power-generating machinery declined by 26.24 per cent from $ 243.135 million to $ 179.337 million; textile machinery by 73 per cent from $212.786 to $56.803 million; and other equipment by 18 per cent from $886.654 million to $722.473 million.

Meanwhile, on a year-on-year basis, the machinery group imports increased 9.17 per cent during November 2023 compared to the same month of last year, from $ 534.863 million to $583.926 million.

On a month-on-month basis, the machinery imports into the country came down by 15.95 per cent during November 2023, compared to the imports of $694,762 million in October 2023, according to the PBS data.

PSX witnesses bullish trend, gains 2,210 points

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Muhammad Ashraf Wani

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Mon, 1 Jan 2024, 5:10 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 1 (APP):The 100-index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed bullish trend on Monday, gaining 2,210.74 points, a positive change of 3.54 percent, closing at 64,661.78 points against 62,451.04 points the previous trading day.

A total of 625,147,050 shares valuing Rs.18.525 billion were traded during the day as compared to 590,592,624 shares valuing Rs.16.844 billion the last day.

Some 380 companies transacted their shares in the stock market; 328 of them recorded gains and 37 sustained losses, whereas the share prices of 15 remained unchanged.

The three top-trading companies were K-Electric Ltd with 76,430,706 shares at Rs.5.44 per share, WorldCall Telecom with 61,550,634 shares at Rs.1.57 per share and Cnergyico Pk with 54,945,823 shares at Rs.5.29 per share.

Unilever Pakistan Foods witnessed a maximum increase of Rs.300.00 per share price, closing at Rs.22,200.00, whereas the runner-up was Hoechst Pakistan with a Rs.88.47 rise in its per share price to Rs.1,288.47.

Blessed Textiles witnessed a maximum decrease of Rs.19.99 per share closing at Rs. 320.01, followed by Bata Pakistan with Rs.10.08 decline to close at Rs.1,722.15.

Chairman Senate refers 22 bills to relevant committees

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NNPS Desk

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Mon, 1 Jan 2024, 5:10 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 01 (APP): Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjran on Monday referred a total of 22 private members’ bills to the relevant committees for further deliberation and consultation.

The bills referred to committees included, “The Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Amendment) Bill, 2023”, “The Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023”, “The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2024”, “The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (Amendment) Bill, 2023”, “The Fatal Accidents (Amendment) Bill, 2023”, “The National Excellence Institute Bill, 2024”, “The Prevention and Control of Human Trafficking (Amendment) Bill, 2023”, “The Civil Servants (Amendment) Bill, 2023”, “The Guardians and Wards (Amendment) Bill, 2023”, “The Service Tribunals (Amendment) Bill, 2023”, “The General Clauses (Amendment) Bill, 2023”, “The Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill 2023”, “The Pakistan Commissions of Inquiry (Amendment) Bill, 2023”, “The Islamabad Capital Territory Watersides Safety Bill, 2023”, “The Higher Education Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2023”, “The Pakistan Nursing Council (Amendment) Bill, 2023”.

Exercise BARRACUDA-XII valuable platform for participants to exchange best practices, share experiences: CNS

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NNPS Desk

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Mon, 1 Jan 2024, 5:06 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 01 (APP): Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Naveed Ashraf, on Monday said the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) through Exercise BARRACUDA-XII would afford a valuable platform for the participants to exchange best practices, share experiences and learn from each other.

In his message at the commencement of Exercise BARRACUDA-XII, the Naval Chief said oceans played a vital role in providing sustenance, livelihood, regulating climate patterns and nurturing unparalleled biodiversity.

As a responsible member of global maritime fraternity, Pakistan had fostered collaboration with regional countries and engaged in global partnerships to safeguard marine conservation initiatives, he said.

The Naval Chief added that as part of its commitment to the international maritime regulatory framework, Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA), being sole maritime law enforcement agency in the country, ensured safety of life at sea and preserved nation’s marine resources.

Pakistan Navy, being the premier stakeholder of national maritime defence, extended all out support to PMSA and augmented Maritime Domain Awareness for preservation of sea-based resources and enduring ecological balance, he said.

In the mix of contemporary maritime challenges, environmental complexities have added another layer to maritime security.
These challenges not only jeopardized marine biodiversity but also had cascading effects on global climate patterns and livelihood of coastal communities.

Among these environmental challenges, the looming specter of oil spills posed a critical concern and necessitated the coordinated response by international and national stakeholders.

In pursuit of these objectives, Pakistan Navy & PMSA had embarked on conducting the international series of exercises code named ‘BARRACUDA’ under the overall ambit of National Marine Disaster Contingency Plan. The aim of these exercises was to crystallize national response mechanism against oil spill disasters and contingent SAR requirements in collaboration with international partners, he added.

“Exercise BARRACUDA-XII will provide the opportunity to review and align our response procedures to attain the shared objective of pristine marine environment and safety of life at sea”, he said.

“The Exercise will also provide a forum in the shape of maritime seminar to deliberate on contemporary technological advancements and global best practices in the field of marine pollution control. The Exercise is set to reaffirm our national resolve and acknowledge the importance of oceans in our collective well-being and the need to protect and preserve them for our future generations.”

“I am sure PMSA through Exercise BARRACUDA-XII will afford a valuable platform for the participants to exchange best practices, share experiences and learn from each other,” the CNS said.

He said : “The conduct of Exercise is a testament to our unwavering commitment and cooperation for enhancing maritime security, streamline SAR procedures and preserve marine environment in the North Arabian Sea.”

“I wish PMSA and international and national participants, a worthy and rewarding outcome of the Exercise and a pleasant stay at Karachi,” he said.

PM Kakar directs enhancement of Afghan Transit Trade tracking system

By

Irfan Khan

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Mon, 1 Jan 2024, 5:05 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 01 (APP): Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Monday directed for taking of further steps at enhancement and foolproof tracking system concerning Afghan Transit Trade.

Chairing a review meeting over Afghan Transit Trade and anti-smuggling measures, he also asked for the formulation of an immediate mechanism for the establishment of an integrated transit trade management system.

The meeting was attended by Caretaker Finance Minister Dr Shamshad Akthar, Caretaker Minister for Trade Ejaz Gohar, senior officials of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, representatives of the sensitive departments and other relevant officials, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

Addressing the participants, the prime minister said that one of the major reasons affecting the country’s economy was smuggling and the illegal movement of goods.

Taking notice of negligence over the smuggling issue, he directed the chief secretary Balochistan to completely change the administrative machinery of District Chaghi.

He directed for initiation of criminal proceedings against any personnel found involved in smuggling leading to exemplary punishment besides, advising intelligence clearance of any officer before his or her deployment on sensitive posts of customs.

The caretaker prime minister further directed that checking system should be further strengthened at the Chaman, Torkham, Ghulam Khan check posts besides, at the border areas of Balochistan. Cargo checking should be improved and the number of customs staff at Chaman border be increased, he added.

He opined that the people in Balochistan province should work for the enhancement of businesses and employment.

A briefing over a progress report compiled by an inquiry committee on Afghan Transit Trade was also given to the prime minister.

Appreciating the performance of the committee so far, he directed it to earnestly compile its recommendations.

The meeting was informed that due to the steps of the government, the smuggling of petroleum products from Iran had been reduced to a huge extent whereas cargo tracking system started functioning from Taftan to Quetta.

People busy in selecting and purchasing old warm clothes from roadside vendor.

By

Wajid

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Mon, 1 Jan 2024, 5:05 PM

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APP07-010124 SIALKOT: January 01 - People busy in selecting and purchasing old warm clothes from roadside vendor.

A youngster with eagle on his arm to pose for photograph at Lake View Park

By

Wajid

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Mon, 1 Jan 2024, 5:02 PM

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APP06-010124 ISLAMABAD: January 01 – A youngster with eagle on his arm to pose for photograph at Lake View Park

APP06-010124
ISLAMABAD: January 01 –

Two Lyari gangsters arrested injured after encounter

By

AHMD Raja

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Mon, 1 Jan 2024, 5:01 PM

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KARACHI, Jan 01 (APP):The district City police of South zone apprehended two Lyari gang members in separate police confrontations that occurred in the Kalri and Kalakot areas.

According to a Karachi Police spokesperson, in two distinct operations on Monday, two individuals were apprehended and sustained injuries during these encounters.

Farhad Ahmed, also known as Ram Janey, and Hassan Ali, known as Pappu, were captured by Kalri and Kalakot police stations, respectively. Both individuals are affiliated with Lyari gangs. Hassan Ali, in particular, was sought by the police for significant cases, including extortion, apart from other important police cases.

Furthermore, authorities recovered weapons from both suspects. A comprehensive investigation process has been launched as part of the ongoing proceedings.