PHA plants 6,000 saplings in city

Sun, 18 Aug 2024, 6:38 PM

SARGODHA, Aug 18 (APP):In line with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s directives, the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) Sargodha, under the leadership of Director General Taqueer Haider Kazmi, planted 6,000 saplings across the city as part of the Green Pakistan initiative.

According to PHA Media Consultant Shafqat Awan on Sunday, the PHA director general emphasised the importance of each staff member contributing to the Green Pakistan campaign by planting a tree. Additionally, 2,000 saplings were distributed free of charge to the public. Kazmi stated that officials have been assigned duties to ensure that the entire city is greened.

Deputy Director (Admin) Shafique Khan Niazi, Deputy Director (Finance and Planning) Ghazala Kanwal, Assistant Director (Admin) Ali Hasan Rana, and Assistant Director (Horticulture) Safeer Asad, along with the entire staff, actively participated in the campaign.

Ease of bilateral visa in Pak, Egypt to strengthen economic, trade ties: Ambassador Ihab Abdel

Ali Ali

Sun, 18 Aug 2024, 6:32 PM

ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (APP):Ambassador of Egypt to Pakistan, Dr. Ihab Abdel Hamid has said that the ease of bilateral visas between Pakistan and Egypt will strengthen the economic and trade ties between the two countries and tourism sectors also flourish.

Egypt is also the centre of world tourism due to its historical heritage and Pakistan is also one of the most popular countries for tourism, the Ambassador said.

Ambassador of Egypt to Pakistan, Dr. Ihab Abdel Hamid told APP in an exclusive talk that the northern regions of Pakistan are rich in natural beauty with beautiful landscapes, in which there are six highest mountain peaks in the world. He said that during his visit to Skardu, for the first time, he came to know about the northern regions of Pakistan and the lush green fields Desai region in Skardu is most attractive for world tourists.

Ease of bilateral visa in Pak, Egypt to strengthen economic, trade ties: Ambassador Ihab Abdel

The ambassador said that the role of the private sector is very important to increase cooperation in the field of tourism between Pakistan and Egypt, for which the business community of both countries must play their due role in this regard.

He said that Pakistan and Egypt are bound in historical, religious and cultural relations which cover many dimensions, and we have to make the new generation aware of our historical heritage.

Dr. Ihab said that for the promotion of economic and trade relations in both countries, the business communities of both sides have to exchange delegations. He said that the current bilateral trade between the two countries is much less than its potential and there is complete consensus between the two countries to increase it.

He said Pakistan Look Africa Policy is very important to increase trade with African countries and Egypt can play its full role in it.

Replying to a question, he said that Egypt has the largest population in the Arab countries and is considered the third most populous country in Africa, behind Ethiopia and Nigeria. He said that more of Egypt’s population is concentrated around the fertile strip of the Nile River as most of the country is in agriculture.

The ambassador also stressed the need to promote people-to-people contact between the two nations to strengthen tourism and cultural relations.

TajiK ambassador calls on Punjab governor, pledges more trade

Ali Ali

Sun, 18 Aug 2024, 6:28 PM

LAHORE, Aug 18 (APP):Ambassador of Republic of Tajikistan Yusuf Sharifzoda called on Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan at Governor’s House, here on Sunday.

Honorary Consul General of Tajikistan Mian Nazir Ahmad also accompanied him. In the meeting, issues of mutual interest, strengthening of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Tajikistan in the fields of trade, culture and education were discussed.

Speaking on this occasion, Punjab Governor Sardar Salim Haider Khan said that Pakistan and Tajikistan had deep brotherly relations due to common religion and culture. The two sides expressed determination to enhance relations in every sector, especially in the field of trade. The governor said that there were investment opportunities for foreign investors in various sectors in Pakistan and Tajik investors could benefit from the facilities being given to businessmen through the Special Economic Facilitation Council. He said that business activities should increase between Pakistan and Tajikistan.

He said that high quality furniture was made in Pakistan, adding that opportunities should be explored in the markets of Tajikistan. He said that people to people contact between Tajikistan and Pakistan need to be enhanced.

Ambassador of Tajikistan, Yusuf Sharifzoda, said that Pakistani students affected by the Kyrgyzstan incident can continue their studies at the same level in Tajik universities. He said that special facilities would be given to Pakistani investors in Tajikistan.

The Tajik ambassador said that cultural delegations from Tajikistan would come to Pakistan. He said that Pakistani businessmen have vast opportunities to export surgical instruments and leather products of Pakistan to the markets of Tajikistan. The Tajik ambassador added that Pakistan is a peaceful country and its people are very hospitable and loving.

CM House bans plastic bottles, introduces glass jugs for environmental sustainability

Ali Ali

Sun, 18 Aug 2024, 6:27 PM

KARACHI, Aug 18 (APP):Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has raised the bar for environmental accountability by prohibiting disposable plastic water bottles in all government offices, beginning with the CM House.

The initiative aimed at cutting plastic waste and bolstering sustainability, was enacted immediately after a notification on August 16, the CM said.

To support this mission, Murad Shah instructed his secretariat to substitute all plastic water bottles with glass jugs during meetings at the CM House. Footage from Sunday showed glass jugs and cups on the meeting tables, showcasing the government’s effort to minimize plastic waste.

The CM emphasised the importance of this change during a meeting, directing participants to follow suit by eliminating plastic bottles and other disposable plastic items from their offices and public spaces.

He advocated for the use of sustainable alternatives, such as glass and biodegradable materials, to help protect the environment and improve public health.

“Our drains, rivers, ponds, and seas are being choked by plastic waste, which is endangering marine life and polluting our environment,” said Mr Shah. “We, as a nation, must adopt environmentally friendly practices to safeguard our natural resources and ensure a cleaner, healthier future.”

In addition to banning plastic bottles, CM Murad Ali Shah promised further actions to fight environmental degradation. He detailed plans to tackle air pollution throughout the province, showing his administration’s commitment to comprehensive environmental reform.

“This initiative is just the start,” CM Shah stated. “We are determined to take significant steps to control air pollution and improve our overall environmental quality.”

The introduction of glass jugs at the CM House is a symbolic but important move towards a greener Sindh, setting a precedent for other government institutions and the public to combat plastic pollution.

Detractors jealous of Punjab CM’s performance: Arora

Ali Ali

Sun, 18 Aug 2024, 6:24 PM

LAHORE, Aug 18 (APP):Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora, in a statement issued here on Sunday, said the excellent performance of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz had made her detractors jealous, which was a clear proof of success of the Punjab government.

“The performance of Punjab is being appreciated worldwide, which is a honour for Maryam Nawaz and her team,” he said in a statement. He said that a historic budget had been allocated for religious minorities in Punjab, aiming to ensure their welfare. He emphasised that religious tourism was being promoted throughout the province, which would contribute to enhancing religious harmony. The launch of the air ambulance service in Punjab, he noted, was a humanitarian initiative by Maryam Nawaz and a practical demonstration of the government’s commitment to serving people.

The provincial minister described the decision to provide relief on electricity bills as a gift to the people of Punjab and announced that the Punjab government would soon launch solar panel and housing projects. Arora also mentioned that scholarships for students from religious minorities have been significantly increased to ensure their educational development. He concluded by stating that instead of being envious, detractors should contribute to the country’s progress so that the nation could move forward.

CCPO Lahore reviews police performance indicators

Ali Ali

Sun, 18 Aug 2024, 6:22 PM

LAHORE, Aug 18 (APP):Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Bilal Siddique Kamyana presided over an important meeting at his office here on Sunday.

The meeting reviewed the ‘Key Performance Indicators’, introduced by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to assess police performance. It also evaluated progress on departmental development schemes.

The CCPO emphasised that there should be zero tolerance for corruption according to the KPIs. Supervisory officers were instructed to regularly visit field offices to assess the performance of their subordinates. Immediate resolution of complaints from the general public, especially women and children, was underscored.

The CCPO also stressed the importance of monitoring the protocols of Special Initiative Police Stations (SIPS) and ensuring collaborative work among all police wings.

The briefing highlighted ongoing construction at 19 smart police stations in Lahore. The renovation of the cafeteria at the Capital City Police Headquarters has been completed. Additionally, the installation of parks, grounds, and swings for children at the Shuhada Police residential flats in Bhobatyan Chowk, Raiwind Road has been finalised. The CCPO ordered for swift completion of development projects, emphasising that their benefits should reach the public.

DIG (Organised Crime Unit) Imran Kishwarr, DIG (Operations) Muhammad Faisal Kamran, CTO Lahore Ammara Athar, SSP (Admin) Atif Nazir, SSP (Investigation) Anoosh Masood Chaudhry and SSP (Operations) Tasawar Iqbal also attended the meeting.

Tarar grieved over demise of brother of DG Information Department Lahore

Ali Ali

Sun, 18 Aug 2024, 6:21 PM

ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (APP):Minister for Information, Broadcasting, Culture and National Heritage Ataullah Tarar on Sunday expressed deep grief over the death of Deputy Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Rawalpindi Chaudhry Musrat Abbas who is the brother of Director General Information Department Regional Office Lahore Shafqat Abbas.

The minister, who was deeply saddened by the news, prayed to the Almighty to rest the departed soul in the eternal peace, and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with fortitude.

Tarar, in a news statement, said Chaudhry Musrat Abbas was a very hardworking and capable officer, and his services for the country would always be remembered.

Four dead, 1,016 injured in Punjab road accidents

Ali Ali

Sun, 18 Aug 2024, 6:16 PM

LAHORE, Aug 18 (APP):Four persons were killed and 1,016 others injured in 986 road accidents in Punjab during the last 24 hours.

As many as 404 people with serious injuries were shifted to different hospitals, while 612 with minor injuries were treated at the incident site by the rescue medical teams.

The analysis showed that 610 drivers, 41 underage drivers, 90 pedestrians and 320 passengers were among the victims of road accidents. The statistics show that 225 accidents were reported in Lahore, which affected 219 people, placing the provincial capital at top of the list, followed by Faisalabad with 75 accidents and 79 victims, and at third Multan with 46 accidents and 44 victims.

According to the data, 897 motorbikes, 47 auto-rickshaws, 90 motorcars, 21 vans, 12 passenger buses, 21 trucks and 80 other types of vehicles and slow-moving carts were involved in the road accidents.