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Governor KP stresses for natural resources development

By
Ali Ali
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PESHAWAR, Aug 17 (APP):Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday emphasized the need to focus on harnessing the province’s mineral resources and natural gifts for generating foreign exchange for the province and the country.
He shared these views during a meeting with Nauman Bashir, General Manager of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, who visited the Governor House in Peshawar.
The meeting decided to establish offices in Chitral and Dera Ismail Khan, considering the abundance of minerals and other resources as well as their geographical significance.
Governor Kundi highlighted that projects such as the Gem and Geological Institute of Pakistan, Honey Testing Laboratory, Peaches Pulp Processing Plant, converting waste marble into useful material, Bio-Equivalence Laboratory, Data Processing Unit, Mountain Fresh Value-Added Fruit Processing Hub, and Women Business Incubation Center would open new avenues for provincial development.
He said that these initiatives would help align Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s fruits, minerals, and other commodities with global standards.
The meeting also discussed strategies to accelerate these projects.
The Director General of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan invited Governor Kundi to attend an upcoming expo in Chitral next month as a guest of honor, which he accepted.
Meanwhile, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in the southern districts of the province. During a discussion with a delegation led by journalist Muhammad Usman from district Bannu, he criticized the provincial government’s criminal silence on the matter.
 Kundi emphasized the need to address the backwardness of these areas and noted that the federal government has allocated funds in the budget for the critical Chashma Lift Canal project. He said that the swift commencement of this project would transform not just the southern districts but the entire province.
In another meeting, renowned spiritual leader and Sajada Nasheen of Darbar Taunsa Sharif, Khwaja Nasir Mahmoodnr, met with Governor Faisal Karim Kundi.
He congratulated the governor on his appointment, praising it as a commendable decision by the party leadership.
During their discussion, Governor Kundi expressed his dedication to fulfilling the trust placed in him by the leadership.
He emphasized the need to make Khyber Pakhtunkhwa a haven of peace, economic prosperity, and to enable women and youth to play significant roles in societal development.
He reflected on the sacrifices made by the province in the fight against terrorism, including the tragic loss of lives in the Army Public School attack. Kundi also pledged to overcome obstacles faced by marginalized and disadvantaged communities in the development process.
Khwaja Nasir Mahmood lauded the governor’s commitment and prayed for the country’s development, peace, and stability.

Rana Mashhood inaugurates basketball tournament at LWWU

By
Ali Ali
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LAHORE, Aug 17 (APP):Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan has emphasized that the youth can play a crucial role in the nation’s prosperity and development.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony of Emerging Talent Basketball Tournament 2024 at Basket Ball Ground, Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) here on Saturday, he highlighted that Pakistan’s talented young generation is pivotal in driving the country towards development.
At the event, Rana Mashhood highlighted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s commitment to women empowerment, saying that the Prime Minister had taken several initiatives to support women in Punjab. Today, 12,000 young women are benefiting from these initiatives, he observed.
He emphasized that no society can advance without empowering its women and assured that the government stands with athletes in the sports field.
Rana Mashhood said the tournament aims to spotlight new talent in the sports arena, adding that the tournament would feature players selected from remote areas of Lahore, who would compete in various matches. New players would showcase their skills alongside the basketball teams from LCWU and Kinnaird Colleges.
The tournament comprises four matches, promising exciting contests between different teams.
Rana Mashhood expressed confidence in Pakistan’s economic future, commending recent progress. He stressed the importance of ongoing effort and commitment to build on these achievements and drive further economic advancement.
LCWU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shagufta Naz, other senior faculty members and a large number of athletes and students were present.

Bilal Yaseen reviews security, cleanliness measures

By
Ali Ali
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LAHORE, Aug 17 (APP):Punjab Food Minister Bilal Yaseen on Saturday visited Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh mazar and reviewed security and cleanliness arrangements in the surroundings.
According to official sources here, he said that he would personally monitor cleanliness and other arrangements being made with regard to the urs celebrations and added that roads and streets in surroundings of the Darbar would also be decorated as a large number of devotees were coming to attend the urs.
Punjab Auqaf Secretary Tahir Raza Bukhari briefed the minister about arrangements  related to the urs celebrations.

FDA to plant 5,000 saplings during plantation drive

By
Ali Ali
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FAISALABAD, Aug 17 (APP):Faisalabad Development Authority (FDA) would plant more than 5,000 saplings during a recent tree planting drive in Faisalabad.
Director General (DG) FDA Muhammad Asif Chaudhary, while inaugurating the tree campaign in FDA City here on Saturday, said that all available resources would be utilized to make the drive a success.
He said that FDA was also taking steps to activate the private sector for maximum tree plantation during the current season because trees are imperative to check environmental pollution.
He said that FDA would establish a Model Central Park over 84 Kanals of land in FDA City where ornamental plants of various kinds and varieties would be planted.
He also directed the horticulture staff to take measure for making FDA City a lush green residential colony.
Earlier, he also planted a sapling while Additional Director General (FDA) Dilwar Khan Chaddhar, Chief Engineer Mehar Ayub, Director Finance Yasir Ejaz Chattha, Incharge Horticulture Rana Sajjad and others were also present on the occasion.

CM orders swift drainage of rainwater

By
Ali Ali
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LAHORE, Aug 17 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has taken notice of untimely drainage of rainwater in various cities.
She directed the deputy commissioners to monitor drainage operations in their respective districts and ordered to complete drainage of rainwater immediately after rain.
The CM said that smooth flow of traffic should be ensured during rains in all small and big cities including Lahore, adding that the operations of drainage of stagnant water in markets and street areas should be completed soon, and the public should not have to face any kind of difficulty.
CM Maryam Nawaz said the officials who perform their duty to serve people during rains are commendable.

Punjab Assembly speaker expressed satisfaction on professional training of rescuers

By
Ali Ali
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LAHORE, Aug 17 (APP):Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan expressed his satisfaction on professional training of rescuers in the Emergency Services Academy.
He was presiding over a ceremony of 438 passing-out rescuers trained for Sindh Emergency Rescue Service at Emergency Services Academy Lahore here on Saturday.
Speaking on the occasion, he congratulated the passed-out rescuers & their families and instructors of the Emergency Services Academy. He said, ‘I pay tribute to our national hero Arshad Nadeem for bringing pride to Pakistan. There is no doubt that the unwavering efforts of Dr. Rizwan Naseer led to the United Nations certification of Rescue 1122. Where there is discipline, efficiency, merit, and courage, examples like Rescue 1122 are set. I also congratulate the Chief Minister of Punjab for introducing the first air ambulance service in Punjab. Rescue 1122 has truly set a standard. The new rescuers have two key responsibilities: to save lives and to uphold the reputation and quality of the organization.” He said that rescuers from other provinces who completed the lifesaving training in the Academy are also carrying the message of brotherhood from Punjab. “Above all I would like to mention here that we being Pakistani take pride that our Pakistan Rescue Team of Emergency Services Academy is the first United Nations INSARAG Certified Team in South Asia and due to this certification the Rescue Team responded to the Turkiye earthquake and saved many lives and revived the Khilafat movement. Besides that, due to this certification Pakistan has been given the UN INSARAG Asia Pacific Regional Chair 2024 and as a result the Pakistan Rescue Team would  be holding two international events here in Lahore in October, 2024. Indeed, this is highest achievement for which I would like to appreciate and acknowledge the efforts of Team Commander Dr Rizwan Naseer and every member of the team who brought this honor to Pakistan,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Provincial Minister for Health and Emergency Services, Khawaja Sulaman Rafique, thanked the Speaker Punjab Assembly for support and guidance for strengthening of the emergency services. He said that the current government under the supervision of the Chief Minister is working day and night on public welfare projects to provide best services to the people of Punjab.
He said, “Our national hero, Arshad Nadeem, has made Pakistan proud on the global stage. We love every Pakistani who raises the flag of Pakistan high. Arshad Nadeem is a hardworking and humble person. The rescue office in Mian Channu is being named after Arshad Nadeem. I also announce the opening of a new rescue office 25 kilometers from Mian Channu”.
Secretary Emergency Services  Dr  Naseer Rizwan also shared the journey of Emergency Services since its inception and achieving the highest recognition from the United Nations INSARAG forum and becoming the 1st United Nations INSARAG Rescue Team in South Asia. He appreciated Olympian Arshad Nadeem for his historic achievement of winning a gold medal in Javelin throw and making the whole nation proud.
He said Rescue 1122 rescued over 15 million victims of emergencies, responded to over 237,000 fire emergencies and saved losses worth over Rs. 673 billion with improving response time and professional firefighting on modern lines. The Emergency Services Academy has trained over 24000 emergency personnel for all provinces of Pakistan. He added that ESA is also assisting in the training of other countries i.e. Tajikistan, Syria, and Sri Lanka. He thanked the Speaker, Minister and government of Punjab for supporting Emergency Service and strengthening it.
On this occasion Olympian Arshad Nadeem thanked Rescue 1122 and Dr. Rizwan Naseer for the warm reception, noting that the rescuers are doing a great job. He emphasized that discipline and physical fitness are of utmost importance. He also stated that he won this medal for the nation, attributing his success to the prayers of the people. He vowed to raise the flag of Pakistan in upcoming international competitions as well.
On the occasion, Dr. Rizwan Naseer took the oath from 438 passing-out rescuers trained for Sindh Emergency Rescue Service. He congratulated them on the successful completion of their professional training and becoming a part of this live-saving Emergency Service.
 Olympian Gold medalist Arshad Nadeem, officers from Punjab and Sindh, Rescue officers from Headquarters & Emergency Services Academy, Divisional Emergency Officers, Rescuers & their families and media personnel also witnessed the passing out parade of Basic Rescue Course-44.
Earlier, passed-out cadets demonstrated their professional skills in emergency management during mock exercises of deep-well rescue, water rescue, firefighting, urban search & rescue, rescue from confined space, and rescue from height. In the end, the chief guest gave away awards to the best-performing rescuers of the course.

NHMP advises motorists to adopt protective measures during rains

By
Ali Ali
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0
ISLAMABAD, Aug 17 (APP):The National Highway and Motorway Police (NHMP) on Saturday called upon road users to follow safety precautions while driving on rainy roads.
NHMP North Zone spokesman, Muhammad Saqib said that due to continued intermittent rainfall slippery road conditions were prevailing on M-1 from Islamabad to, Kot Momin, Dera Ismail Khan Swat and Thakot. Saqib added that slippery conditions could lead to an increased risk of accidents, particularly for those travelling at high speeds.
He said that NHMP officials were providing briefings to the motorists at Toll plazas about the precautionary measures and road conditions. He advised the travellers to get updated information on NHMP helpline 130  and also contact NHMP social media accounts before starting the journey.

PM for strict vigilance in wake of global mpox outbreak

By
Irfan Khan
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ISLAMABAD, Aug 17 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday directed for keeping strict vigilance on spread of Monkeypox (mpox) after the World Health Organization (WHO) had declared its outbreak in different parts of the world as public health emergency of international concern.

Chairing an important meeting on the measures being taken against spread of mpox virus, the prime minister directed for ensuring effective screening measures at all airports, seaports and borders of the country, besides asking the border health services to keep complete surveillance of the situation.

He also directed the National Command and Operations Center (NCOC) to keep alertness and hold daily evaluation of the situation and asked for provision of all required gadgets and kits for the evaluation of mpox virus.

The meeting was attended by PM’s Coordinator on National Health Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Federal Secretary National Health Nadeem Mehboob, Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Lt. Gen. Inam Haider Malik, chief secretaries, chief commissioner ICT and other relevant senior officials, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

The prime minister further directed for strengthening of coordination among the provincial governments, governments of Gilgit Baltistan and Azad and Jammu Kashmir.

He asked for the launch of effective and complete awareness campaign, besides hinting to get weekly briefing over the mpox situation.

The meeting was apprised of the situation about the spread of monkeypox virus. A person in District Mardan was diagnosed as carrier of the virus. The resident had just returned to Pakistan from abroad where he was employed. He was quarantined and his condition was out of danger, the meeting was further apprised.

It was told that no local transmission of mpox was detected in Pakistan. The WHO, on August 14, had declared spread of mpox virus as public health emergency after which the NCOC had issued national advisory. The required instructions in this regard had been issued, the meeting was briefed.

The federal and provincial governments were launching awareness drives in this regard, whereas Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) would supervise the flights arriving from abroad.

The provincial governments, governments of Gilgit Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Islamabad Capital Territory administration had allocated isolation wards and beds in the largest hospitals for the possible mpox virus cases.

All the precautionary measures were in place, it was further added.

CM orders measures to address potential flooding

By
Ali Ali
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0
LAHORE, Aug 17 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed the authorities concerned to take protective measures in advance in areas of Koh-e-Sulaiman in Dera Ghazi Khan in view of the potential flood situation.
She ordered strict implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and also issue guidelines for residents of low-lying areas inundated in various districts.
In view of potential flooding, the residents of affected areas should be shifted to relief camps on time, she instructed and ordered to continuously monitor flood drains in Narowal, Sialkot, Shakargarh and other cities. Livestock in the villages should also be moved to safe places well in time.
CM Maryam also directed the relevant authorities to ensure availability of snake bite vaccine in relief camps. She said immediately restore traffic in the areas affected by landslides. She added Deputy Commissioners should monitor rescue and relief activities in the districts.

Ambassador of Myanmar sees potential of bilateral cooperation in tourism with Pakistan

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Aug 17 (APP): Ambassador of Myanmar to Pakistan, Wunna Han on Saturday said that there is a vast potential of cooperation between Pakistan and Myanmar in the tourism sector, for which future paths can be determined between the two countries.

There is a lot of potential for tourism in the northern regions of Pakistan, especially Gilgit-Baltistan, which needs to be highlighted at the global level, Ambassador of Myanmar to Pakistan, Wunna Han told APP. The ambassador said that the northern regions of Pakistan, especially Gilgit-Baltistan, are very beautiful and rich in natural beauty, where there are six major mountain peaks of the world.

He said that he visited Skardu and nearby the world-famous plateau Deosai Park and these places are considered among the most beautiful tourist places in the world whose natural beauty can be seen.

The ambassador of Myanmar said that Gilgit-Baltistan’s tourism potential by drawing parallels with his country’s cultural heritage by expressing the hope that the local business community to unlock the tourism potential of the region will bear fruit.

The envoy said that apart from this, there is a lot of potential for religious tourism in Pakistan and Myanmar, for which the dialogue between the two sides should continue.

He said that Pakistan is the centre of Indus Civilization of which Taxila is counted among the centers of Buddhist civilization. He said that apart from Taxila, districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mansehra and Swat also have a historical heritage of Buddhist civilization in which religious tourism can be promoted.

Replying to economic and trade ties between both of the countries, he said that the present trade volume between Myanmar and Pakistan is US$70 million far less than their latent potential. He said that Myanmar’s exports to Pakistan are fruits, vegetable products, wood, seafood, jute and other textile fibres, and medicinal plants being imported from Myanmar.

Pakistan’s exports to Myanmar include military technology, medicament mixtures, cement, medicinal plants, leather, cotton fabrics, and electro-medical apparatus, he said.

It is pertinent to mention that in January 2012, then President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari visited Myanmar, and the visit focused on enhancing bilateral trade between the two countries.

In this visit, the Pakistani side proposed a Preferential Trading Area (PTA) along with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
During this visit, the establishment of a joint ministerial commission as well as cooperation in the oil and gas sector was also proposed.

A Bilateral Agreement in Science and Technology exists between the two states, and it was inked during former President General Pervez Musharraf’s visit to Myanmar in May 2001.

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