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Governor Kundi slams KP government over corruption, calls for CM’s resignation

By
NNPS Desk
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PESHAWAR, Aug 16 (APP): Governor Faisal Karim Kundi of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa sharply criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government on Friday for its handling of corruption, alleging that anyone who exposed corruption within the provincial government faced punitive actions. His remarks came as he signed the summary for the de-notification of Provincial Minister for Communications and Works, Shakeel Ahmad Khan.

Governor Kundi asserted that corruption in the province had reached unprecedented levels, with specific rates now applied to postings and transfers. He accused the PTI government of dismantling accountability institutions, such as the Ehtisaab Commission, to protect its corrupt practices. Kundi claimed that the government’s focus had shifted to removing obstacles to corruption rather than addressing the issue itself.

Furthermore, Kundi argued that the charges against Shakeel Ahmad Khan should have led to the resignation of the Chief Minister, rather than the minister himself.

Shakeel Ahmad Khan, who recently resigned from his ministerial position, cited corruption within the provincial government as his primary reason for stepping down. In his resignation letter submitted to Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Khan expressed his dissatisfaction with the administration, stating, “I can no longer tolerate the pervasive corruption and am compelled to resign.”

Khan indicated that he would provide further details regarding his resignation during the upcoming KP Assembly session. He had previously accused the Chief Minister of interfering in his ministry and obstructing his efforts to address widespread corruption and mismanagement in the province.

IPO enhances collaboration with PIPRA

By
Kamran Muraad
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KARACHI, Aug 16 (APP):In a bid to promote transparency and inclusivity in the intellectual property (IP) sector, the Chairperson of IPO-Pakistan, Ambassador (Rtd.) Farukh Amil, met with a delegation from the Pakistan Intellectual Property Rights Association (PIPRA).
The delegation included Sultan Ahmed Sheikh, Advocate Supreme Court (former Chairman PIPRA), Syed Aquil Ali Shah (Chairman PIPRA), Saleem Ghulam Hussain, Advocate Supreme Court (Senior Vice Chairman PIPRA), Salman Ahmed Sheikh, Advocate High Court (Member Managing Committee PIPRA), and Didar Karim, Advocate High Court (Honorary Secretary PIPRA), according to a news release on Friday.
The discussions centered on IP-related challenges, including Pakistan’s accession to international agreements, amendments to IP laws, and fee structures.
The Chairperson emphasized the crucial role of the private sector in advancing the IP system and assured the delegation of IPO-Pakistan’s commitment to supporting initiatives from the legal community aimed at strengthening the IP framework and enhancing service delivery.
The Chairperson also updated the delegation on recent initiatives at IPO-Pakistan. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Muhammad Rafiq, Registrar of Trademarks; Syed Nasrullah, Registrar of Copyright; and Zubia Hassan, Controller of Patents.

IBA University launches Sarsabz Sukkur tree plantation drive

By
Ali Ali
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SUKKUR, Aug 16 (APP):Sukkur IBA University launched its “Sarsabz Sukkur” plantation drive, a week-long initiative designed to enhance the city’s greenery.
The program commenced on Friday with an event on Nisar Ahmed Siddiqui Road, Sukkur IBA University, where Commissioner Sukkur, Fayaz Hussain Abbasi, and Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Dr Asif Ahmed Shaikh inaugurated the drive by planting the first trees.
The initiative, which involves students, faculty, and staff of the university, aims to plant approximately 10,000 trees along the roads surrounding the university and throughout Sukkur. The launch ceremony highlighted the drive’s goal of developing environmental responsibility and beautifying the city.
Commissioner Fayaz Hussain Abbasi emphasized the importance of collective action. “Every person’s contribution is crucial,” he stated. “When we unite in our efforts, we can truly make a difference, he said and added that let’s all contribute to a greener Sukkur.
The drive also includes an awareness walk to be organized at the Press Club to educate the public about the benefits of greenery and encourage community involvement.
Deputy Commissioner Sukkur, Muhammad Bux Dharejo, Pro Vice-Chancellor Syed Mir Muhammad Shah, various deans, heads of departments, and enthusiastic students, highlighting strong support for the initiative.

Teachers’ attendance monitoring system to be made more effective: Shah

By
Kamran Muraad
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KARACHI, Aug 16 (APP):Sindh Minister for Education Syed Sardar Ali Shah on Friday said that the monitoring system to ensure teacher attendance in schools was being made more effective in Sindh. He warned that strict action will be taken against absent teachers.
He said this while speaking to media representatives after leading a rally in Malir district. The rally was organized by the Sindh Education Department in connection with the admission drive.
Secretary Education Sindh Zahid Ali Abbasi, social activist Shahzad Roy, elected representative of Malir, MPAs Sajid Jokhio, Raja Razzak, Yusuf Murtaza Baloch, Special Assistant to Chief Minister Saleem Baloch, and other local leaders of the People’s Party participated in the event.
Representatives from UNICEF, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and other international organizations also attended.
During the awareness rally, participants carried banners and placards highlighting the importance of education. They chanted slogans like “Parhy ga Sindh, Barhy ga Sindh” and others. The Minister Sindh Syed Sardar Ali Shah led the rally alongside students and participants.
Syed Sardar Ali Shah said that the Sindh Education Department has started the admission drive today, as part of its efforts to boost education accessibility and enrollment rates in the province. He emphasized that education is a fundamental right according to the constitution. He added that it is the state’s responsibility to educate children between 5 and 16 years old, and parents share this responsibility with the state.
This year, the government aims to increase new enrollment in government schools by 8 to 9 lakh. Currently, 5.2 million children are studying. The minister said that no school in Sindh is closed due to a lack of teachers now. Efforts are being made to recruit more teachers. He warned that absent teachers who fail to teach will not be tolerated.
The minister announced plans to start planting trees in schools, making headmasters responsible for this initiative. Regarding textbooks, he acknowledged challenges but confirmed that books have been delivered to 138 Talukas. He committed to personally monitoring book distribution and visiting schools, book market and shops too.
To address heat and electricity issues in schools, the government is working on a solarization project.
Later, Provincial Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah launched the school plantation campaign by planting saplings at school premises.

SNGPL disconnects 12 meters, removes six illegal extensions

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
LODHRAN, Aug 16 (APP):The Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) UFG Control Task Force intensified its crackdown against gas pilferers and disconnected 12 meters and removed six illegal extensions across the region.
According to details, a consumer was found stealing gas by reversing the meter. The connection was severed, and departmental action has been recommended.
Six meters were disconnected due to tampering and have been sent to the lab for further examination.
Two consumers, who had not been billed for three to six months, were found to have their meters still installed on-site.
These meters were seized and sent to the lab.
Two consumers violated their sales contracts by relocating their meters on their own. Their meters were also disconnected, and further departmental action was recommended.
One consumer’s meter was found installed far from the service point, causing leakage and losses to the department. The meter was also disconnected.
Additionally, two consumers whose meters were found far from the service point had their meters relocated to the service line.
Six consumers, who violated OGRA regulations by providing gas to more than one household, had their illegal extensions removed.
The Task Force in-charge stated that those tampering with meters will no longer go unpunished and will face hefty fines.

3 die in road mishap

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
SARGODHA, Aug 16 (APP):Three people including a woman were killed while a minor girl sustained injuries as a motorcycle collided with a tractor trolley here at Hazoorpur Bhera Miani Road, situated in jurisdiction of Bhera Police Station, here on Friday.
Rescue-1122 Emergency Officer Sargodha Mazhar Shah said that Saif Ali (45) of Hazoorpur, Samina Bibi (30), Ummul Baneen (6) and Ghulam Yasin (49) were going to Sargodha from Bhera when their bike collided with a tractor-trolley. As a result, Saif Ali, Samina Bibi and Ghulam Yasin died on the spot, while Ummul Baneen sustained injuries.
Police concerned and Rescue-1122 team reached the spot, shifted the bodies and the injured to an area hospital for necessary legal formalities.

Power shutdown notified for areas of Peshawar

By
Ali Ali
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0
PESHAWAR, Aug 16 (APP):Pesco authorities have notified power shutdown in various areas of the city due to maintenance work.
According to Pesco, power supply will remain suspended from Jamrud  Grid Station  on 18th August from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM, resultantly consumers of Hayatabad 1,2,3,4,5, New Hayatabad, Health Care Hospital, Kidney Center, RMI, Kacha Ghari, Karkhanoo and Gull Abad feeder will face inconvenience.
Power supply will remain suspended from Jamrud Grid Station  on 18th ,19th and 21st  August from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM, resultantly consumers of Tajabad 2 feeder will face inconvenience.  Power Supply will remain suspended from Peshawar University  Grid Station  on 17th and 20th August from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM, resultantly consumers of University Campus, Canal Town, Malakandher, Engineering, Regi, Taj Abad, Taj Abad 2, Agriculture , Mera Achini, HMC, Ring Road, Danish Abad, Ghrib Abad, Rahatabad 1, CMB and Achini 1,2, Hassan Zai, Sufaid Dheri, Old Bara Roa, JAF, Academy Town, Circular Road, DHA, HBK, Askari 6 and  Abdara  feeders will face inconvenience. Similarly, power supply will remain suspended from RMT Grid Station on 17th, 18th and 19th May from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM, resultantly consumers of Saddar Road 2, RMT, Badizai, Dorani Media Colony, Prophesier Model Town, Sheikh Yasin, Regi feeders will face inconvenience. , grid connected feeders will face inconvenience.
Power supply will remain suspended from Peshawar Cantt Grid Station  on 18th ,19th and 21st August from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM, resultantly consumers of Tehkal, Islamia College, KTH, Commercial , Jahangir Abad,University Town, NCB, Air Port , PAF Base, Saddar Road, Mall Road, MES 1,2, Old MES, Babu Ghari, Marble Industry , CAA, Palosi 1, Behari Colony, Tehkal Payan, Bank of Khyber, Scarp 1 feeders will face inconvenience.
Power supply will remain suspended  from Pesco Colony Grid Station  on 18th ,19th and 21st August from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM, resultantly consumers of ICF, Darmangi, Warsak Road and Jail feeders will face inconvenience.

SBP injects over Rs900 billion into market

By
NNPS Desk
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0

KARACHI, Aug 16 (APP): The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) injected Rs901.6 billion in the market on Friday through reverse repo purchase and Shariah Compliant Mudarabah based Open Market Operation (OMO).
According to OMO results issued here, the SBP conducted Open Market Operation, Reverse Repo Purchase (Injection) on August 16, 2024 for 7-day and 28-day tenors and accepted 12 bids cumulatively amounting to Rs755.6 billion.
The central bank received 7 bids for 7-day tenor cumulatively offering an amount of Rs719.9 billion at the rate of return ranging between 19.58 to 19.59 percent while 13 bids were received for the 28-day tenor offering an amount of Rs318.6 billion at the rate of return ranging between 19.57 to 19.60%.
The SBP accepted 6 quotes for 7-day tenor amounting to Rs550 billion at 19.59 % rate of return while 6 quotes for 28-day tenor amounting to Rs205.6 billion were accepted at 19.59% rate of return.
Meanwhile, the central bank also conducted Shariah Compliant Mudarabah based Open Market Operation for 7-day and 28-day tenors and injected Rs146 billion in the market.
For the 7-day tenor, the SBP received two bids amounting to Rs146 billion (face value of collateral) at the rate of return ranging between 19.58 to 19.60 % while no bid was received for 28-day tenor. The central bank accepted both the offered bids for 7-day tenor at 19.58% cut-off rate.

SRSO celebrates Arshad’s achievement in Olympic

By
Ali Ali
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0
SUKKUR, Aug 16 (APP):In connection with Independence Day of Pakistan, a colourful event organized by Sindh Rural Support Organization (SRSO) to celebrate the achievement of Arshad Nadeem in the Olympic Games 2024.
Community children and NPGP- trained youth under National Poverty Graduation Programme by SRSO showed enthusiasm during the eve.
According to a release issued by SRSO Spokesperson, on Thursday, the event took place at the Community Cluster School managed by FAS-SRSO in Village Qabalo, Tehsil Garhi Yasin, district Shikarpur.
Speakers paid glowing tribute to Arshad for winning the gold medal and said the country’s youth should get inspiration from this great achievement.
They said that Arshad become a symbol of national pride and inspiration for young generations.
They said that  his achievement would motivate others to strive for excellence in their field.
The NPGP digital skills heroes, beautician course trainees, students of the Community Cluster School and SRSO Shikarpur officials were participated in the event.
On the occasion, the participants showcased their talents and skills, contributing to the festive atmosphere.
Later, trophies and medals were presented to outstanding students, encouraging them to continue excelling in their digital pursuits and learning.

PM decides reforms to promote gemstones exports, industry

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Aug 16 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday decided to carry out reforms in the gemstones sector to promote the industry and enhance its exports.

The prime minister, chairing a meeting to discuss the matters pertaining to the reforms in gemstones sector, said that he would personally head the steering committee to promote the industry and its reformation.

He tasked Privatisation Minister Abdul Aleem Khan to ensure the implementation of reforms.

He said the government would launch a project in Gilgit Baltistan to elevate the standards of mining, chiseling and value addition of gemstones industry, assuring the federal government’s support to GB government in this regard.

The prime minister said that unfortunately the gemstone sector was neglected during last 77 years and the precious asset was being wasted through conventional mining methods.

He directed the authorities concerned to formulate an action plan of international standard within a month and take measures for its implementation. He also sought a report on the practical measures for reforms in the gemstone sector and their outcome.

He told the participants that the government would not allow smuggling of the gemstones and sought a report on the subject within a week, after consultation with the GB government.

The prime minister also called for the priority measures to achieve the international certification of Pakistan’s gemstones.

In the briefing, it was told that a total of 178 licenses had so far been issued for mining of gemstones.

It was told that the 80 percent of Pakistan’s gemstones exports consisted of raw materials and the promotion of the industry would help boost country’s exports and create jobs.

The prime minister also called for a comprehensive action plan for the skill training of Pakistani manpower in modern mining, polishing, chiseling and value addition.

The meeting was told that GB, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir had huge reserves of gemstones but conventional methods were being used there causing the wastage of the asset.

It was told that raw material was mostly smuggled and exported from other countries after value addition. Despite huge reserves, Pakistan’s gemstones exports stood at few million dollars.

In the meeting, proposals were put forward for reforms in the gemstone sector besides the development of a gemstones cluster in GB

The prime minister tasked the privatisation minister to implement the proposals and launch a pilot project in GB within a week.

Federal ministers Jam Kamal Khan, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Dr Musaddik Malik, State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmed, PM’s Coordinator Rana Ehsan Afzal, chief secretaries of GB, AJK and KP, and relevant senior officers attended the meeting.

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