KARACHI
Options International deposits Rs 6 mln penalty into national treasury
ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (APP):Following the Supreme Court of Pakistan dismissed its appeal, M/s Options International deposited Rs 6 million penalty under Section 40(8) of the Competition Act 2010 into national treasury.
This Supreme Court decision marks the end of a comprehensive legal battle that began with a formal complaint from STARBUCKS leading to an investigation and enforcement action by the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), said a press.
In June 2024, the Competition Appellate Tribunal (CAT) dismissed Options International’s appeal, increasing the primary penalty from Rs 5 million to Rs 6 million and prohibiting the company from illegally using the Starbucks brand name and logo.
M/s Options International has filed an appeal to the Supreme Court of Pakistan against the CAT’s order, which the court dismissed.
The Supreme Court ruled that “Options International,” put itself forward by selling its products under the international brand name Starbucks and by using its logo, which amounts to deceptive marketing.
Since the new management has taken over, CCP has effectively recovered fines of Rs 38 million, demonstrating substantial progress in its fight against cartel conduct.
UNESCO says 1.4 million girls banned from school since Taliban retook power
UNITED NATIONS, Aug 15 (APP): The Taliban “have almost wiped out two decades of steady progress for education” in Afghanistan, putting the future of an entire generation in jeopardy, the UN educational, scientific and cultural agency (UNESCO) reported on Wednesday.
Afghanistan is currently the only country in the world where secondary and higher education is strictly forbidden to women and girls over age 12, the Paris-based UN agency said.
The Taliban swept back into power on 15 August 2021 and swiftly began curtailing women’s rights, it was pointed out.
Three years to the day after the fall of Kabul, the nation’s capital, at least 1.4 million girls have been deliberately denied access to secondary education because of the bans.
Apart from the girls who were already out of school before the Taliban’s reimposition of strict religious legal codes, there are now almost 2.5 million girls in the country deprived of their right to education, representing 80 per cent of Afghan school age girls.
There has also been a decrease by over half of the number of students enrolled in universities since 2021, UNESCO said.
As a result, the country will face a shortage of graduates trained for highly skilled jobs, which will only exacerbate development problems, according to the report.
While girls’ education is technically still permitted under the age of 12, the number of those enrolled in primary education has fallen drastically since 2021.
New UNESCO data shows that Afghanistan had only 5.7 million girls and boys in primary school in 2022, compared with 6.8 million in 2019.
This drop in primary school enrollment is the result of the Taliban’s decision to prohibit female teachers from teaching boys, worsening a teacher shortage. It can also be explained by parents’ lack of incentive to send their children to school in an increasingly difficult socioeconomic environment.
It is feared that the increasing drop-out rate could lead to a rise in child labour and early marriage.
Since 2021, UNESCO has set up programmes with the support of local communities in 20 of the country’s 34 provinces.
Over 1,000 facilitators, including 780 women, have been trained to deliver literacy courses, benefiting over 55,000 young people, the vast majority of them girls.
UNESCO also invests in distance learning via radio and television, providing financial support and training to Afghan media wishing to develop and broadcast educational programmes.
The UN agency continues to call on the international community to fully commit to restoring the right to education for girls and women in Afghanistan, stating that face-to-face education in a classroom is the best possible way for people to learn.
“The right to education cannot be negotiated or compromised. The international community must remain fully mobilized to obtain the unconditional reopening of schools and universities to Afghan girls and women,” emphasized Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO.
Meanwhile, 36 UN experts are also calling on the international community not to normalize the Taliban in Afghanistan in a joint statement released Wednesday.
The rights experts, who report to the Human Rights Council and who are not UN staff, include the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett.
“Over the past three years, the people of Afghanistan, especially women and girls, have been subjected to an appalling and intensifying attack on their rights and freedoms by a regime that lacks legitimacy and inclusivity, quashes all forms of dissent, represses civil society and the media and has shown a flagrant disregard for the principles of justice, non-discrimination, equality and the rule of law,” the rights experts stated.
The experts emphasized that the deliberate subjugation of women and girls is so widespread and systematic that it has come to amount to crimes against humanity, including the crime of gender persecution.
The situation is so extreme that many Afghans say it is best described as “gender apartheid”.
“The people of Afghanistan deserve to live in a country where the rights, dignity and humanity of all are respected and protected. Now more than ever is the time for robust international action to meet their demands with increased protection, support and solidarity,” they concluded.
CEO IESCO for prompt complaints redressal
ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (APP):Chief Executive Officer of IESCO, Muhammad Naeem Jan, made an unannounced visit to various SDO offices in the Islamabad Circle where open kacharies were being held.
During these visits, the IESCO Chief met with customers attending the forums, inquired about their electricity-related issues, and issued instructions to the relevant officers for their immediate resolution, said a press release.
On this occasion, IESCO Chief, Muhammad Naeem Jan, stated that IESCO is committed to addressing customer complaints as quickly as possible. Customers appreciated the initiative of holding daily open kacharies in all SDO offices from 11:00 AM to 01:00 PM, as per the instructions of the Government of Pakistan and the Ministry of Energy (Power Division).
He noted that these forums have enabled the quick resolution of their billing issues, power outages, installation of new transformers/meters, replacement of old and faulty transformers/meters, non-receipt of electricity bills, and other electricity-related complaints.
Naeem Jan praised the field officers for ensuring the resolution of customer complaints and emphasized the importance of maintaining friendly and professional relations with customers.
According to the details, since the start of the open kacharies from July 15, 2024, a total of 10,481 complaints of various kinds have been registered in 126 SDO offices, out of which 10,449 complaints have been promptly resolved, and necessary instructions have been issued for the resolution of the remaining complaints.
Customers are encouraged to participate in these open forums to ensure timely resolution of their electricity-related issues.
NA body constitutes sub-committee to revive PSM
ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (APP):The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee on Industries and Production on Thursday constituted a sub-committee to address the financial and administrative challenges faced by Pakistan Steel Mill (PSM), prioritizing the concerns of its employees.
The committee was met under the chairmanship of Member National Assembly (MNA) Syed Hafeez ud Din, said a news release.
The Terms of Reference (ToRs) and composition of the Sub-Committee are as follows:
“To address the financial and administrative issues, particularly those related to employees and the operations of Pakistan Steel Mills.”
The sub-committee’s membership includes Convener Ms. Naz Baloch, along with Abdul Hakeem Baloch, Muhammad Arshad Sahi, and Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani as its members.
Earlier, the Minister for Industries and Production provided an extensive briefing on the status of Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM).
He said that PSM has a total landholding of 19,000 acres, of which 4,008 acres remain unutilized, while 305 acres have unfortunately been illegally encroached.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of PSM also informed the committee that over the years, the federal government invested a substantial Rs. 170 billion into PSM to keep it operational.
The committee, after reviewing the detailed briefing from both the Ministry and PSM representatives, expressed its determination to ensure that PSM continues to function and contributes to the national economy.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director (MD) of Utility Stores Corporation (USC) briefed the committee that USC remains committed providing the public with quality commodities purchased exclusively from reputable, branded companies.
These items are then offered to the public at subsidized rates, ensuring affordability for all citizens.
The MD highlighted that these branded companies are contractually obligated not to sell the same items at a price lower than that printed on the packaging anywhere else in the country.
Utility Stores Corporation has also received approximately Rs 1 billion as rebate during last one year.
The MD also raised a significant concern regarding taxation policies.
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) currently imposes taxes based on the buying price of commodities, but the MD USC argued that taxation should instead be based on the subsidized price at which these goods are sold to the public, he added.
The committee acknowledged this issue and decided to call the Chairman, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to its next meeting in order to resolve the taxation matter and support USC’s mission to provide essential goods at lower prices.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Industries and Production, MNAs Sajid Mehdi, Ms. Kiran Imran Dar, Syed Murtaza Mahmud, Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, Abdul Hakeem Baloch, Ms. Naz Baloch, Muhammad Mubeen Arif, Muhammad Saad Ullah, Rana Atif, Muhammad Ali Sarfraz, Muhammad Arshad/Sahi, Muhammad Iqbal Khan and the officials of the Ministry and PSM.
Rivers Chenab, Indus flow in medium flood: FFC
ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (APP):The Federal Flood Commission (FFC) has said that due to heavy rainfall in the catchment areas, River Chenab at Marala Barrage is experiencing Medium Flood (Rising Trend), discharging 158,266 cusecs while River Indus is also in Medium Flood at Guddu Barrage and in Low Flood in Tarbela-Taunsa reach and at Sukkur Barrage.
According to daily FFC report on Thursday, River Kabul (a right tributary of Indus River) is in Low Flood at Warsak. Rest of major rivers of Indus River System i.e. rivers Jhelum, Ravi and Sutlej are discharging normal flows.
According to latest hydro-meteorological conditions, High Level flood ranging between 200,000 Cusecs to 250,000 Cusecs is anticipated in River Chenab at Marala, Khanki & Qadirabad Barrages including nullahs in rivers Chenab and Ravi catchments during the next 24 hours.
The Combined live storage of the country’s major reservoirs (Tarbela, Mangla, and Chashma) stands at 10.649 MAF, which is 79.74% of the total live storage capacity of 13.354 MAF.
According to the Flood Forecasting Division (FFD), Lahore, yesterday” Upper Air Cyclonic Circulation over Northeastern Rajasthan (India) remained stationary there. Trough of Strong Westerly Wave previously over Northern Iran is now positioned over Northeastern Iran and adjoining Afghanistan.
This system is expected to impact the upper catchments of all major rivers starting today. Meanwhile, Seasonal Low lies over Northern Balochistan. At present, moderate moist currents from the Arabian Sea are penetrating into most parts of Pakistan up to 5000 feet.
For the next 24 hours, FFD, Lahore has predicted scattered thunderstorm rain of Moderate Intensity with isolated Heavy Falls over Punjab (Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Multan & Bahawalpur Divisions), Sindh and Balochistan (Zhob, Nasirabad, Sibbi & Kalat Divisions).
During the same period, widespread thunderstorm rain of Moderate to Heavy Intensity with Isolated Very Heavy Falls may occur over Islamabad, Punjab (Rawalpindi & Gujranwala Divisions) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including upper catchments of rivers Indus, Kabul & Jhelum besides, scattered to widespread thunderstorm rain of Moderate Intensity with isolated Heavy to Very Heavy Falls over Punjab (Sargodha, Lahore and D.G.Khan Divisions) including upper catchments of rivers Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej.
NIH issues advisory on Monkeypox
ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (APP):The Centre for Disease Control, National Institute of Health (NIH) has issued an advisory on the unprecedented multi-country outbreak of Monkeypox in non endemic countries.
According to advisory, 99,518 cases of Monkeypox were reported worldwide and so far, 208 people have died from Mpox worldwide.
It added, since April 2023, 11 Mpox cases have been reported in Pakistan, and one patient has died.
The advisory said that the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Mpox a global emergency.
The NIH said that the Monkeypox advisory provides guidelines for dealing with Monkeypox.
It said that people affected by Monkeypox can have rash, fever on their face and body. People affected by Monkeypox can complain of headache and body ache.
The advisory said that the patient is infected with Monkeypox for two to four weeks.
The current wave of monkeypox is the second type causing deaths however, 99% of Monkeypox patients survive.
It said that another type of monkeypox emerged in African countries.
The NIH asked people to take strict precautions, keep the environment clean and ensure the use of masks by medical staff besides ensuring hand washing routine.
It said that patients infected with Monkeypox should be kept in isolation until recovery.
400 children of labourers being sent to Islamabad for getting best education: Bugti
QUETTA, Aug 15 (APP):Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Thursday said that in the first phase, 400 children of registered Labourers were being sent to Islamabad to get the best education as they would be ambassadors of Balochistan in the area.
He expressed these views while addressing in the distribution ceremony of admission certificates and scholarships of 400 children of registered labourers under the management of Workers Welfare Board (WWB) in the best educational institution of Islamabad.
Provincial Ministers including Mir Asim Kurd Gello, Bakht Muhammad Kakar Adviser for Department of Labour and Manpower Sardar Ghulam Rasool Umrani, National Assembly Member Malik Shah Gurgaije, Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan and IG Police Balochistan Abdul Khaliq Sheikh were also present on the occasion.
A large number of registered workers and their children participated in the event. Addressing the ceremony, the Chief Minister said that today we were crossing an important milestone while the dream that was seen for the labourer’s child was being realized today.
He said that in the first phase, 400 children were being sent to Islamabad to get the best education adding that these children would be ambassadors of Balochistan in Islamabad.
These children are making a new beginning today, get better education and make the country famous, he noted adding that they would become good persons and good Pakistani by getting education.
He said that Balochistan government would make every conspiracy against Pakistan fail in contribution of security forces and public with the aim to put the country on the track of progress.
The CM mentioned that whoever has loved Pakistan, Allah has honored him saying that you have to prove your high character by showing the best discipline in this institution. This is a great opportunity for all children to take practical steps towards a bright future, he said.
He said that it has always been his effort that the labourer’s child did not become a labourer adding that the labourer’s child also has full right to get education in any higher education institution of the country.
Mir Sarfraz Bugti hoped these kids would make their parents proud through getting education, all these children would shine like stars on the new horizon.
He also appreciated Adviser on Labour and Manpower Sardar Ghulam Rasool Imrani and the whole department for their tireless work and efforts in this regard.
He said that all educational expenses of students could be borne by Workers Welfare Board Balochistan. About 400 children of registered workers will be provided education, accommodation and all other related facilities in the educational institution of the American Listed School System, he said.
Four money laundering suspects arrested, Pakistani and foreign currency ceased: FIA Director
LARKANA , Aug 15 (APP): The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) team of Composite Circle Larkana here on Thursday raided jewelers’ shops and arrested 4 suspects involved in money laundering, seized 30 million of Pakistani and foreign currency and started investigation against the gang.
In this regard, Director FIA Abdul Hameed Bhutto in a press conference, said that the name of our country had been removed from the gray list and on the direction of Federal Minister of Interior Mohsin Raza Naqvi and Director General (DG) FIA Islamabad, strict instructions against illegal money and money laundering is going on in Sindh. In this regard, the team of FIA Composite Circle Larkana raided Imtiaz Jewellers, Subhanullah Jewelers and Faizan Jewelers in Shahi Bazar of the city. The FIA team arrested 4 suspects Imtiaz Ali, Rahim Bakhsh, Mumtaz Ali and Altaf, recovering from them Pakistani and foreign currency and mobile phones worth Rs 30 million. He said that a total of more than PKR 20 million, 11625 UAE dirhams, 2810 Saudi riyals, more than 100 US dollars, Qatari riyals, Iraqi dinars, Emirates coins, American coins were recovered from the accused. Iranian coins and various prize bonds have also been seized, he told and added that.the arrested accused were involved in foreign currency exchange without a license. The arrested accused could not satisfy the FIA officials regarding the recovered currency. Evidence about stolen mobile phones and handguns have also been recovered from which the investigation has started, he said.
Abdul Hameed Bhutto said that receipts, testimonies and proofs of money laundering and transfer of money abroad have been found from the mobile phones of the arrested suspects, which have been sent for forensics and action will be taken against other agents and people involved in money laundering within a week. He said that any citizen who has any information about money laundering should inform us immediately. The name of the informer will be kept confidential, he added.
He said that many actions had been taken against money laundering by FIA Composite Larkana in which the arrested accused were in jail and such actions would continue in the future.
CEO Jazz conferred on Hilal-e-Imtiaz
ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (APP): CEO of Jazz and Chairman of Mobilink Micro Finance Bank (MMBL) Aamir Hafeez Ibrahim, conferred with Pakistan’s highest civilian award, Hilal-e-Imtiaz, in recognition of his contributions to Pakistan’s telecommunications and digital financial sectors.
The award was announced on Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day and will be presented at an investiture ceremony on March 23, 2025. President Asif Ali Zardari on August 14, announced the conferment of Pakistan’s national awards on 104 Pakistanis and foreigners, in recognition of their services, excellence and sacrifices in their respective fields.
With over 30 years of global experience spanning automotive, telecom, and digital finance industries, Aamir Ibrahim has played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s digital transformation.
Since assuming leadership at Jazz and MMBL in July 2016, Aamir has driven significant advancements, maintaining Jazz’s position as Pakistan’s leading digital operator with more than 71 million subscribers and overseeing investments exceeding USD 10.7 billion said a news release.
Under Aamir’s strategic guidance, JazzCash has emerged as the country’s largest digital wallet, empowering over 44 million users and revolutionizing financial inclusion, particularly for women.
His initiatives have significantly enhanced technology access for women, including the introduction of Digit 4G handsets and comprehensive entrepreneurship programs aimed at boosting digital literacy and business acumen among female entrepreneurs.
Aamir’s commitment to digital equity extends to his influential role on the Advisory Council of the Women in the Digital Economy Fund (WiDEF), advocating to bridge the gender digital divide globally.
Under his leadership the Mobilink Microfinance Bank has led to groundbreaking initiatives like the WIN (Women Inspirational Network) program, focusing on the empowerment and financial inclusion of women entrepreneurs across Pakistan.
Aamir Ibrahim has spearheaded technological innovation, notably establishing Pakistan’s first 5G Innovation Lab at NUST Islamabad, which promotes women’s integration into mainstream technological research and ensures equitable participation in future developments. His unwavering support during national crises, including contributions of over Rs. 1 billion for COVID-19 and flood relief in 2022, further highlights his dedication.
As a member of the NUST Board of Governors, he remains deeply committed to advancing education and innovation in Pakistan.
For his exceptional contributions to technological innovation, job creation, financial inclusion, and his dedication to promoting digital equity, Aamir Hafeez Ibrahim embodies the spirit of a transformative leader and a dedicated patriot, driving Pakistan towards an era of inclusive and sustainable digital empowerment.