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Country need unity, not division: PM Coordinator

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP): Coordinator to the Prime Minister, Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, said on Monday the country needed promoting unity rather than engaging in divisive politics.
Talking to a private news channel, he condemned to pursue political agendas against the national interest was devastating for the country.
He said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) was engaged in activities, especially during the May 9 incidents that undermine political and economic stability in the country.
He said that PTI was involved in pushing the country on the brink of default by allegedly trying to sabotage an IMF deal.
Answering a question, he said the recent subsidy of Rs50 billion in electricity announced for Punjab is a provincial initiative, not a federal government measure.
He stressed that the government’s focus is not driven by political motives, but rather on providing relief to the public. “The sole and simple purpose is to make things easier for the people,” he added.

Power Division prepares draft of standard for setting up of charging stations

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP):Ministry of Power Division on Monday said that the ministry has prepared a draft of standard for setting up of charging stations across the country under prime initiative for the promotion of electric vehicles, motorcycles and electric rickshaws.
Provision of cheap electricity to charging stations was also under consideration, said a statement issue here by the Power Division.
Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari said that charging stations would be set up as per the international standard.
The draft would soon be approved from the power division after consultation of all stakeholders, he added. He said electricity connections for charging stations would be provided on priority basis. Smooth power supply and voltage for the charging stations would be ensured, he said.
The minister said the measures would significantly reduce the cost of petrol-powered vehicles. Implementation of such measures would usher in a new era in Pakistan, he added.
He said standard testing centres would be established for testing charging batteries.

PM Shehbaz lauds killing five Khawarji terrorists

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday lauded the security forces for their successful operation in the border areas of Bajaur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which resulted in the killings of five Khawarji terrorists.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the prime minister, in his condolence message, prayed for the elevation of ranks in Jannah for the five Pakistani Army soldiers, including Naik Inayat Khan and Lance Naik Umer Hayat and Sepoy Waqar Khan.

The Prime Minister prayed Almighty Allah to grant patience to the families of the martyred soldiers. He praised the courage of the Pakistani Army, calling them a steadfast shield for the nation.

The prime minister also affirmed that the Pakistani nation stands united with the Army in the fight against terrorism.

Polish envoy meets Commerce minister to discuss trade opportunities

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP):The Ambassador of Poland to Pakistan, Maciej Pisarski on Monay  called on the Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, in his office to discuss new opportunities for enhancing trade between the two countries.
The meeting highlighted the growing economic ties between Poland and Pakistan, with both sides expressing optimism about future collaborations,said a press release issued here.
Ambassador Pisarski congratulated Minister Kamal on the successful organization of FoodAg 2024, a major international food and agriculture expo held recently in Karachi.
The event saw the participation of over 800 foreign delegates and generated significant business activity. “The successful holding of FoodAg 2024 is a positive signal regarding Pakistan’s economic and trade growth,” said Pisarski, underscoring the importance of such events in showcasing Pakistan’s potential on the global stage.
The Ambassador also noted that several Polish companies operating in Pakistan are not only profitable but are also looking to expand their networks within the country. “We are expecting more business delegations to visit Pakistan under the umbrella of the Polish government in the near future,” he added, indicating Poland’s growing interest in Pakistan as a trade partner.
Minister Kamal expressed his appreciation for the Ambassador’s encouraging words and emphasized the vast potential for trade enhancement between the two nations.
 He highlighted key sectors such as agriculture, coal, and textiles as areas where Poland and Pakistan could deepen their cooperation.
“The geopolitical situation in the region is prompting industries to seek new destinations, and Pakistan can be an attractive option, particularly in the textile and food industries,” Kamal stated.
He further elaborated on the high quality of Pakistani agricultural products, citing the example of Pakistani apples. “Pakistan produces some of the best apples in the world. Nestlé, for instance, not only uses our apple pulp but also exports it from Pakistan,” he remarked.
The Minister also pointed to the burgeoning potential in olive production, with large-scale cultivation underway in regions such as Balochistan and Potohar.
He emphasized that value-added products from olives could become a significant export item for Pakistan in the near future.

LPG distributors directed to follow OGRA SOPs

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HYDERABAD, Aug 19 (APP):The Additional Controller Civil Defense Hyderabad has said that after the incident of LPG cylinder explosion in Pretabad area, all the LPG shops and agencies were sealed and they have been removed from all densely populated areas and moved to more suitable locations.
In a press release issued on Monday, it was clarified that LPG distributors have been directed to comply with guidelines set by the Civil Defense and district administration under OGRA SOPs.
According to the statement, no agency holder will be allowed to fill cylinder from cylinder and if any LPG distributor violates this, legal action will be taken against them and their license will also be cancelled.
The statement further warned those involved in illegal LPG businesses should cease their operations immediately as Civil Defense and Revenue teams were actively conducting raids, and violators will be heavily fined, and their licenses will be revoked.
Moreover, the Deputy Controller Saqib Ali submitted challans in the consumer court against 5 shopkeepers of Latifabad and Qasimabad for violating OGRA SOPs.

PM Shehbaz orders 50% Public cargo shift to Gwadar Port

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday explicitly instructed the concerned authorities to bring 50 percent of all public sector cargo inland via sea through Gwadar port.
Shehbaz issued these directives while chairing a review meeting on Chinese investment in Islamabad, where he was briefed on the Chinese experts’ delegation visit to Pakistan from July 30 to August 6, 2024.
The forum was told that the Chinese delegation met with representatives from various ministries, who offered suggestions to enhance cooperation in their respective fields. The visit resulted in significant progress in cooperation and investment across trade, energy, agriculture, information technology, communication, and infrastructure.
The forum was informed that the Chinese delegation engaged with top leaders of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry during their visit. It was briefed that Chinese experts would be enlisted for technology transfer, removing non-trade barriers, and boosting the country’s exports.
The meeting was informed that sectoral roadshows would be organized in various Chinese cities to boost exports of Pakistani products. Additionally, Chinese experts will be engaged for technology transfer, upgrading electric vehicles, electro-medical devices, and other sectors.
The meeting was told that a Chinese auto spare parts company has recently advanced significantly in establishing its plant in Pakistan. Efforts are underway to facilitate land leasing for special economic zones. Additionally, Pakistani students and researchers will receive agricultural training in China, with 572 applications already received.
The prime minister instructed that students from all provinces should have equal opportunities to participate in this training.
The prime minister directed the creation of a committee, chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Reform Ahsan Iqbal, to oversee the transparent selection of Pakistani students and researchers for agricultural training in China.
Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Investment and Privatization Abdul Aleem Khan, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Industry and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal, Federal Minister for Energy Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari, Federal Minister of Maritime Affairs Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh and relevant senior government officials attended.

A political group running organized anti-state propaganda: Barrister Aqeel

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP): Government’s Spokesperson on Legal Affairs Barrister Aqeel Malik on Monday said that a political group has been involved in an organized anti-state propaganda at international level.
A letter was written to the IMF to stop the financial package and lobbying was also made in the US to pass resolution against Pakistan, he said, adding that attempts were being made to damage the country from all sides.
Addressing a press conference, the Spokesperson said a toxic organized campaign is being run against state institutions and its head by the political group.
Barrister Aqeel said that the Imran Khan Niazi and Gen (reted) Faiz Hameed’s nexus was developed and they wanted to introduce a presidential system in the country. They were planning to rigged elections through electronic voting machines and planned to jail all critical journalists and politicians, he said.
He said that more arrests are to be made in the nexus of foreign funding as new names are coming out in the investigation. He said that first a NAB and Imran Khan Niazi nexus was developed for their nefarious resolves.
The spokesperson said that Imran Khan Niazi and Faiz Hameed’s nexus was also behind the May 9, riots across the country. The riots were pre-planned and targets were pre-selected by them to attack, he said.
He said that the minds of the followers of the political party were made up and they were incited for violence and rebellion against the state institutions. The nation is aware about all these facts now, he said.
Barrister Aqeel said that it was a good step that the state institution has initiated self-accountability system and others should also follow it.
The Spokesperson said PTI leader Rauf Hassan was in contact with Indian journalists. He said Rauf Hassan is not a journalist and he has no right to establish contact with foreign journalists.
He said Rauf Hassan ran anti-state campaign with the help of enemies of the country. He asked the PTI leadership to stop anti-Pakistan campaign because no one would tolerate it.
Barrister Aaqeel said that the government was taking all efforts for betterment of economy, improve foreign policies and to give relief to the public but on the other hand this group didn’t spare any chance to damage the country.

Shaza, British High Commissioner discuss matters of mutual interest

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 19 (APP):Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja and British High Commissioner to Pakistan Ms. Jane Marriott called on Monday discussed matters of mutual interest, IT and Telecommunication, digitalization and cybersecurity.
According to news release the two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in IT and Telecom sector.
Shaza Fatima apprised the British High Commissioner about Smart Islamabad project.
She said the present government is taking steps for digitalization in the country.
She said women empowerment is included in priorities, adding Ministry of IT is committed for ending digital gender divide in the country.
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott said UK wanted to boost cooperation with Pakistan in the field of IT and Telecommunication.
The meeting was also attended by Director General International Coordination Syed Jawwad Ali Sherazi.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a review meeting on Chinese investment in Pakistan.

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Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a review meeting on Chinese investment in Pakistan.
APP40-190824
ISLAMABAD: August 19 – 
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a review meeting on Chinese investment in Pakistan.
APP39-190824
ISLAMABAD: August 19 – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a review meeting on Chinese investment in Pakistan.