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Gas tariff to remain unchanged until December-January: Musadik Malik

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NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 20 (APP): Minister for Petroleum, Dr. Musadik Masood Malik Tuesday said that the current gas tariff would remain unchanged until the winter months of December and January.

Addressing a press conference, he said that the gas tariff has not been increased, and the government is striving to avoid placing any additional burden on the people.

“If the need arises to provide relief, we will make decisions in consultation with all provinces and move forward together. However, our aim is to avoid increasing gas prices,” he said.

The minister said that 98% of domestic electricity consumers, who use up to 500 units, have been provided relief by the Punjab government. He added that 86% of those consuming up to 200 units have also received relief from the federal government. He urged other provincial governments to offer similar relief if they wish.

He urged political leaders to refrain from spreading chaos and to participate in parliamentary committees to contribute to the nation’s development.

Dr. Malik highlighted that certain elements are attempting to create obstacles in the country’s progress, prosperity, and development. “These are the people who do not want to see the country progress,” he added.

Dr. Malik also recalled that after the elections, the opposition was offered the chance to form the government, but they refused. He mentioned that the Pakistan Peoples Party had also extended an offer to the current opposition to form the government.

He said that one side the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) blaming the U.S. for regime change while simultaneously hiring the services of a U.S. lobbying firm, the Fenton Group. He alleged that PTI lobbied for passing a resolution against Pakistan, and noted that David Fenton, who has campaigned against Pakistan’s nuclear program for decades, was hired by PTI.

Without naming , he said the Deputy Chairman is in jail for committing $190 million in corruption, while the “real” Chairman has also been arrested. “One has been arrested in the Top City corruption case, while the other is detained in a $190 million corruption case,” he added. He said that after the arrest of PTI’s real Chairman, the party has become orphan.

He highlighted widespread corruption stories in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which have become a common topic of discussion. He accused some elements of facilitating and supporting terrorists. He said that those who deny the ongoing operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa must account for the sacrifices rendered by the armed forces, calling it an unfortunate situation.

Highlighting internal conflicts within PTI, he pointed out that the party is disintegrating, with its members now fighting among themselves.

Rice exports grew by 75.70% in 1st month of FY2024-25

By
Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 20 (APP): Rice exports from the country during the first month of the current financial year grew by 75.70 per cent as compared to the exports of the corresponding month of the last year.
During the month of July 2024 over 274,004 metric tons of rice valued at $205.746 million were exported as compared to the exports of 172,302 metric tons worth $117.102 million in the same month of the previous year, according the data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
In the first month of the current financial year, the exports of Basmati Rice grew by135.18 per cent as 91,303 metric tons of Basmati Rice valued at 92.532 million were exported against the exports of 32,546 metric tons costing $39346 million of the same month of the last year.
Meanwhile, 178,617 metric tons of other rice worth $113.214 million were exported as compared to the exports of 139,756 metric tons costing worth $77.756 million in the same month of the last year, it added.
Food group exports from the country during the first month of the current financial year grew by 44.77 per cent as compared to the exports of the corresponding month of the last year, the data reveled.
During July 2024, food commodities valued at $475.767 million were exported as compared to the exports of 328.632 million in the same month of the last financial year, it added.
However, the food group imports into the country during the first month of the current financial year went down by 18.30 per cent and were recorded at $510.449 million as against the imports of $624.804 million in the corresponding period of the last year, it added.
The imports of other commodities, which posted negative growth during the period under review including milk, milk cream, and milk for infants decreased by 27.37 per cent, tea by 26.68 per cent, sugar by 44.90 per cent, and pulses by 22.90 per cent, it added.

KP gets first practicing specialists in diagnosis of Autism

By
NNPS Desk
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PESHAWAR, Aug 20 (APP): In a commendable development, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa got first practicing specialists in diagnosis of Autism, a complex neuro-developmental disorder among children, registering constant surge in the province during the last few years.

Ms. Rutaba Arif and M. Kashif Khan both serving as Speech Language Pathologist and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapist, respectively at Center for Excellence for Special Children with Autism in Peshawar have qualified as `Practicing ADOS-2 Specialists’.

“The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (ADOS-2) is a standardized assessment tool that helps in diagnoses of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children and adults,” apprises Rutaba Arif.

Talking with APP, Rutaba informed that Ados-2 is designed to obtain information in the areas of communication, reciprocal social interactions, restricted and repetitive behaviors associated with a diagnosis of ASD. “It can only be used by ados-2 certified clinicians,” she added.

Due to lack of ADOS-2 Specialists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, parents had to take their children to Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Lahore for diagnosis of autism that was very difficult exercise due to physical stress and financial burden as well.
After qualifying as ADOS-2 Specialists, both Rutaba and Kashif can provide diagnosis services to the autism patients in Peshawar.

It merits an insertion that Autism is an overlooked neuro developmental disorder among children and is on rise in the country with very scanty cure options.

According to rough estimates by experts in curing autism, there are around 500,000 number of artistic children in Pakistan and 150,000 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

In most parts of the country, autism patients are in dire need of treatment from qualified therapists in diagnosis and treatment.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, there is an institute in the name of Center for Excellence for Special Children with Autism in Peshawar having the capacity of providing rehabilitation and treatment to only 50 patients.

The center is presently providing treatment and rehabilitation services to around 70 autistic children, beyond its capacity of 50 because of stress of patients.

Qualification of Speech and ABA therapists from KP as ADOS-2 Specialists is a good development in treatment of autism and will provide relief to parents with autistic children in getting diagnostic services within KP.

CPEC Phase-II: Ahsan directs WGs to prepare concept papers on five new corridors

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 20 (APP): Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday directed all Working Groups (WGs) to prepare concept papers on five new corridors, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in August last, including growth, livelihood, innovation, green energy and regional connectivity for CPEC Phase-II.
“The concept papers for all CPEC Phase-II projects should be completed as soon as possible, aligning with these five new corridors,” he said while chairing a review meeting on CPEC projects.
Among others, the meeting was attended by Secretary Planning Awais Manzur Sumra, secretaries of concerned ministries and senior officials.
Ahsan Iqbal informed the meeting that Pakistan and China have agreed to initiate work on these five corridors, which were aligned with Pakistan’s 5Es framework (Export, Energy, Equity, E-Pakistan and Environment) for its economic development.
Elaborating the five new initiatives, he said that under the Livelihood Corridor provision of the best amenities to the people and creating employment opportunities were included.
Under the Innovation Corridor, the minister said new projects would be initiated through modern technology and imparting information technology skills to the youth.
While the CPEC would be used to promote connectivity and establish more friendly relations with Central Asian states under the Open Regional Cooperation, he said.
He expressed confidence that comprehensive documents on these five corridors would be prepared by the end of current month, which would be shared with the Chinese leadership in due course of time.
The Planning minister also directed the ministries concerned to prepare five-year plans under the CPEC portfolio for submission in the Joint Cooperation Committee, stressing to hold regular meetings of joint working groups in September so that the next five-year CPEC strategy could be evolved.
“Our aim should be industrial and commercial development and increase in foreign investment,” he said adding long-term projects be included in the working group with sector-wise breakup.
Ahsan Iqbal gave a 15-day timeline to all the ministries concerned to submit their CPEC-related projects.

Youth is the symbol of Pakistan’s development; Rana Mashhood

By
Imran Munir
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 20 (APP):Chairman of the Prime Minister Youth Program (PMYP) Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan on Tuesday said that Youth was the hope and symbol of the development of Pakistan.
Addressing the ceremony titled “Story of Pakistan and Role of Youth” at the National Youth Convention, he said that Pakistan has a talented youth and has a central role in progressing the country towards fast-paced development.
He said that the emergence of Pakistan on Aug 14, 1947, was the result of our forefathers’ sacrifices and our today’s generation was martyring for that cause laid by the founders for which they achieved a separate homeland.
“We need to set aside our differences and work committedly for unity, integrity, and economic stability”, he said and added that youth were misinformed in the recent past from the right path, “We know what is happening in Syria, Iraq, Egypt, Libya and Yemen; where youth is on the street, unemployed, and without education.”
The same attempt was also made here to destroy Pakistan but Pakistan under the slogan of Azm-e-Istehkam” or the Resolve for Stability has a comprehensive plan showing Pakistan’s commitment to securing long-term stability including economic, diplomatic, and security components to achieve a stable and prosperous Pakistan.
The Chairman PMYP said that Nawaz Sharif had made the country’s defence stronger by making atomic explosions on May 28, 1998, started by former Prime Minister Zuifqar Ali Bhutto and no one could dare to cast an evil eye on it  Rana said the government under the dynamic leadership of the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was taking various initiatives to highlight the potential and provide more employment opportunities to the youth under the PMYP including, PM Skill Development Programs (NAVTTC), PM Youth Laptop Scheme, Pakistan Education Endowment Fund, Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Scheme, PM Youth Internship Program, National Innovation Award, setting up of the PM National Youth Council, PM National Volunteer Corps, PM Digital Youth Hub, PM Talent Hunt, Youth Sports League, PM Sports Academies, Green Energy Solarization and PM Green Youth Movement to empower the future generations.
 He said that PMYP core components were structured around the “4E’s”: Education, Employment, Engagement, and Environment and these four pillars were the focus of the ongoing youth-focused initiatives across the country.
 “Let us work together to ensure that the pathways they pursue today lead to a more prosperous and sustainable future for all”.

Rupee gains 10 paisa against dollar

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Aug 20 (APP): Pakistani rupee on Tuesday appreciated by 10 paisa against the US dollar in the interbank trading and closed at Rs 278.34 against the previous day’s closing of Rs 278.44.

However, according to the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), the buying and selling rates of the dollar in the open market stood at Rs 279.70 and Rs 280.40 respectively.

The price of Euro increased by 89 paisa to close at Rs 308.38 against the last day’s closing of Rs 307.49, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

The Japanese yen came down by 01 paisa and closed at Rs1.89, whereas an increase of 74 paisa was witnessed in the exchange rate of the British Pound, which traded at Rs 361.83 as compared to the last day’s closing of Rs 361.09.

The exchange rate of the Emirates Dirham and the Saudi Riyal decreased by 02 paisa and 01 paisa to close at Rs 75.78 and Rs74.18 respectively.

4000 cops to be deployed to ensure security for Pak-BD cricket matches:CPO

By
NNPS Desk
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RAWALPINDI, Aug 20 (APP): Over 4000 cops would be deployed to ensure security for Pakistan-Bangladesh Cricket Matches, said City Police Officer (CPO) Rawalpindi, Syed Khalid Hamdani.
He informed that tight security arrangements have been finalized for the matches, to be played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
He said, more than 350 traffic wardens and officers have also been deployed for effective traffic arrangements for the convenience of the citizens.
Expert snipers would be deployed on the rooftops around the route and stadium, he said.
The CPO said that 99 special pickets have been set up in and around the cricket stadium.
The route of the cricket teams would be monitored through CCTV cameras, he said adding, special teams of Elite and Dolphin Force and district police would be on patrolling duties in the cricket stadium and its surroundings areas.
All the senior officers would check point-wise duties and brief the officers and security personnel.
The cricket fans would be able to enter the stadium through a specific route after complete checking.
Coordinated efforts would be made by all the departments concerned to make security arrangements foolproof, he said.
All available resources would be utilized to ensure best arrangements for the fans and the teams, Syed Khalid Hamdani added.

Photo exhibition held in DPS

By
Imran Munir
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0
RAWALPINDI, Aug 20 (APP):Punjab Arts Council in collaboration with Nazariya Pakistan Trust organized a photo exhibition regarding the independence movement at Divisional Public School here on Tuesday.
Add’l Deputy Commissioner Zunaira Aftab was the chief guest at the exhibition.
According to the details, a remarkable pictorial presentation of the Pakistan movement was displayed by the young artists through their marvellous artistic skills.
Addressing the participants of the exhibition, Zunaira Aftab underlined the importance for the younger generation to thoroughly study the history of Pakistan so that they could understand how Pakistan came into being, and who played a key role in its creation.
Appreciating the artworks done by the artists, the chief guest said that the exhibition featured rare and unique photographs of the Pakistan Movement which was the  testimonial of their knowledge and artistic skills.
In the exhibition, the book stalls were also established displaying rare and informative books related to the Pakistan Movement.
Deputy Director PAC Rawalpindi, Muhammad Shakur in his address stated that the purpose of the exhibition was to remind people that freedom was not an easy cake; rather, our ancestors made unparalleled sacrifices of life and wealth for it.
He informed that in accordance with the vision of the Government of Punjab, besides programs that cater to people of all walks of life, organizing such informative programs for the youth was PAC’s priority.
The exhibition was attended by faculty members of Divisional Public School and College, Professor Zahid Javed from Nazariya Pakistan Trust, and a large number of female students, who viewed and highly appreciated the exhibition and book stalls. A visual documentary of the Pakistan Movement was also screened during the exhibition.

Body recovered

By
Imran Munir
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LODHRAN, Aug 20 (APP):The body of an elderly woman was recovered from Gopal Canal bridge, Kahror Pacca, here on Tuesday.
According to the Rescue 1122, on information, a team reached the spot and fished out the
body and handed over to the family.
The deceased was identified as 75-year-old Zaibo Mai of Ameer Pur.

CPWB rescues 117 beggar children

By
Imran Munir
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0
LAHORE, Aug 20 (APP):The Child Protection and Welfare Bureau (CPWB) rescued over 117 beggar children in the provincial capital during the last week.
In a press statement issued here on Tuesday, CPWP Chairperson Sarah Ahmed said that child rescue operations were being carried out in the city on a daily basis due to which decrease in child beggars was observed at major thoroughfares.
The chairperson said a total of 87 beggars were taken into custody from various districts of Punjab during the same period. These children would be produced in the Child Protection Court for legal custody of destitute and neglected children.
The chairperson said rescue operations were underway in the limits of all district offices of the CPWB in Punjab, adding that practical measures were being taken to end the menace of child beggary.
The CPWB was lodging cases against people involved in beggary, she said and added that the citizens could report child beggary on the helpline 1121 of the CPWB.
The rescue operations were conducted at PU Campus Bridge, Main Market Gulberg, Johar Town, Akbar Chowk, Bhatta Chowk, Defence, Barkat Market, Kareem Block Market, Moon Market, MM Alam Road, Data Darbar and other areas of the city.
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