BEIJING: June 07 –
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz meets with Chairman of Standing Committee of National People’s Congress of China, Zhao Leji.
BEIJING: June 07 –
IESCO notifies power suspension programme
ISLAMABAD, Jun 07 (APP): Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) on Friday notified a power suspension programme for Sunday for various areas of its region due to necessary maintenance and routine development work.
According to IESCO Spokesman, the power supply of different feeders and grid stations would remain suspended for the period from 06:00 AM to 09:00 AM, Islamabad Circle, Sohan, F.H.S (Faizabad Housing Society, Industrial-2, I-8/4 feeders, Rawalpindi City Circle, Muslim Town,Service Road, A-Block, Kurri Road, Khurram Colony, WASA, AFOHS, KRL, Jinnah Camp, Muzammil Town, Hamza Camp feeders, from 06:00 AM to 08:00 AM, GSO Circle, Pindi Point, Barrian, Public Health, Gharial, PAF, Upper Topa, Lora, Patriata, Company Bagh, Cecil Resotor, Lora-2, MCM, TDCP, Kohala, Sunny Bank, Kuldana, PC Feeder and surrounding areas.
Federal Secretary for Maritime Affairs Syed Zafar Ali Shah briefing the Investors/business community about Gwadar Free Zone in Pak China Business Conference.
SHENZHEN: June 07 –
Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Chaudhry Salik Hussain in a meeting with Dr. Enas Attari, Palestine Labour Minister.
GENEVA: June 07 –
GENEVA: June 07 – Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain with Dr. Enas Attari, Palestine Labour Minister.
Sind, Baluchistan wins their first matches of PBCC blind cricket trophy 2024
ABBOTTABAD, Jun 07 (APP): On the opening day of the seventh edition of the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) T20 Blind Cricket Trophy, two matches have been decided.
In the first encounter of the day, Sindh won the toss and opted to field against Punjab. Punjab managed to put up a competitive total of 158 runs in their allotted 18 overs but were bowled out.
However, Sindh showcased their batting prowess, successfully chasing down the target of 159 runs with five wickets to spare in 19 overs. The match’s standout performer, Muhammad Safdar, was awarded the title of best player of the match.
In the second clash, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa won the toss and elected to bat first against Balochistan. Balochistan demonstrated a formidable batting display, posting a challenging total of 248 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
In response, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa fought valiantly but fell short, managing 221 runs for the loss of six wickets, thus conceding the match by 27 runs. Haroon Khan’s exceptional performance earned him the title of best player of the match.
Speakers call for enhanced people-to-people, economic ties between Pakistan, Portugal
ISLAMABAD, Jun 7 (APP): The Embassy of Portugal in Pakistan, in collaboration with the Sanober Institute, hosted a seminar on “Pakistan and Portugal Relations- Past Experiences, Vision for the Future” on Friday.
The event was moderated by Executive Director of Sanober Institute Dr Qamar Cheema and featured a distinguished panel of speakers, including Ambassador of Portugal Frederico Silva, Ambassador Aizaz Chaudhary (Chairman of Sanober Institute), Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan (Additional Secretary for Europe), five former Pakistan’s ambassadors to Portugal (Shireen Safdar, Fauzia Sana, Naela Choan, Javed Khattak and Ahmad Warraich), Khurram Dastgir (former federal minister), Ambassador Naghmana Hashmi, Raja Amer Iqbal (former president of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI)), Razi Ahmad, (Chairman of Lahore Art Council), Agha Imran Khan, Nadeem Maksoon, Ambassador Navqi, the honorary consuls of Portugal in Lahore and Karachi, and Vice Admiral (Retired) Khan Hasham Bin Saddique HI(M), said an embassy press release.
The seminar focused on the past experiences and future potential of Pakistan-Portugal relations.
Ambassador Frederico Silva, in his opening remarks, highlighted the main goal of the seminar to compile informed feelings and impressions about the current status quo and advice for the future enhancement of Pakistan-Portugal relations.
This event was part of a cycle of celebrations for the National Day of Portugal, which also coincides with the day of death of its national literary icon Luís de Camões on 10th June 1580.
Ambassador Aizaz Chaudhary thanked the Portuguese team for projecting a positive image of Pakistan-Portugal relations.
Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan emphasized that Portugal was a trusted friend and partner of Pakistan, with relations continuing to prosper despite global conflicts.
He also acknowledged Portugal’s role in Pakistan’s GSP Plus status in the EU market and the increasing demand for textiles and apparel in the Portuguese market.
Panelists advocated for increased cultural, people-to-people, and economic ties between the two nations.
They unanimously advocated for promoting culture, people-to-people contact, tourism in both sides, and art exchange, citing a lot of scope for the development of these relations and a positive forecast.
They also highlighted the potential for expanding trade, with the current trade volume of 300 million dollars being seen as a starting point for growth. Suggestions for trade expansion included textiles, fruits, vegetables, olive cultivation, himalayan salt, industrial machinery, and renewable energy technologies and expertise.
Ambassador Naghmana Hashmi emphasized the need for more bilateral sessions for open talk and cooperation on several issues, including textiles and tiles instead of competition. She also suggested that Pakistan could learn from Portugal’s textile and tile industries, as they follow EU quality control and policies, which could increase Pakistan’s exports.
Ex-RCCI president Raja Amer Iqbal pointed out that trade between the two countries was low and the export basket was very limited. He suggested that there should be linkages between the countries’ chambers of commerce and trade organizations, and that Pakistan was willing to work with Portugal.
He also highlighted that Portugal could benefit from Pakistan’s pink salt and could help export it to the EU, and that “Portugal needs manpower, which Pakistan has in abundance”.
Vice Admiral (Retired) Khan Hasham Bin Saddique stressed the need for a robust bilateral relationship for progression, and that implementation is lacking and a strategy, framework, and action plan are needed to increase exports.
Khurram Dastgir highlighted the need for more cultural exchanges, art, literature, and learning the Portuguese language, as well as proactive diplomacy by Pakistan’s ambassadors.
Panelists also emphasized the need for increased cultural exchanges, including art exhibitions, literary translations, and music and food festivals.
The panelists also highlighted the vibrant and dynamic entrepreneur community of Pakistanis in Portugal and the potential for collaboration in the IT sector, where Portugal presented a dynamic technological hub and Pakistan had a strong talent pool.
They emphasized the need for increased cultural exchanges, including art exhibitions, literary translations, and music and food festivals.
The panelists highlighted the potential for Pakistan to benefit from Portugal’s rich culture, art, history, music, textiles, and pottery, and for Portugal to benefit from Pakistan’s rich culture and cuisine.
Ambassador Frederico Silva and Ambassador Aizaz Chaudhary provided closing remarks, emphasizing the need for action and continued dialogue in his closing remarks.
Ambassador Frederico Silva welcomed the feedback and discussions from the seminar and emphasized the need to focus on areas of concern, such as increasing official visits, improving the implementation of agreements, reinforcing academic and scientific cooperation, intensifying cultural and artistic exchanges and expanding trade.
He also highlighted Portugal’s expertise and long term investment in renewable energy systems and the potential for Pakistan to benefit from this in the future.
Ambassador Aizaz Chaudhary, in his concluding remarks, described the seminar as a productive session and emphasized the need for more exchanges, talks, and focused sessions to continue the momentum of enhancing Pakistan-Portugal relations.
Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme, Mrs. Rubina Khalid in a meeting with Central Additional General Secretary PPP Engineer Mohammad Humayun Khan at BISP HQs.
ISLAMABAD: June 07 –
Information Commission directs inquiry into record missing
ISLAMABAD, Jun 07 (APP): The Pakistan Information Commission (PIC) has directed the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) to conduct an inquiry into the apparent loss of a file related to the house requisition of an official.
The case stems from an appellant seeking information regarding the lease agreement and other documents submitted by Khurram Raza Qureshi to claim house requisition.
Mr Qureshi was transferred from the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) to the AGP on April 17th, 2021, said a press release.
The AGP, in its response to the PIC, stated that the hiring file was not received in their office. The AGP claimed the file was forwarded by the Director General (Audit), Climate Change to the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) on July 4th, 2022, but the CGA denied receiving it on August 3, 2024.
Expressing concern about the lack of investigation into the missing file, the Commission stated, “The matter of loss of record has become a shuttlecock between DG Climate Change and CGA and no one has bothered to inquire into the matter of the loss of record.”
Since the requested information was unavailable due to the missing file, the Commission found it could not be shared with the appellant. However, they emphasized the need for a proper investigation.
The PIC directed the AGP, as the highest authority involved, to investigate the missing hiring file for House No. 156, Street 53, Sector I-8/3, Islamabad, belonging to Mr Khurram Raza Qureshi. The inquiry should identify the responsible party and be completed within 45 days.
A certified copy of the inquiry report must be submitted to the Commission within the designated period.
The case was adjourned until July 23 for the submission of the inquiry report.
Rana Mashhood appoints Fahad Shafiq PMYP’s Sindh coordinator
ISLAMABAD, Jun 07 (APP):Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program (PMYP) Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan on Friday appointed Fahad Shafiq as the Coordinator for the PMYP Sindh.
He expressed his confidence in Shafiq’s capabilities and stated that Fahad will enhance youth development initiatives in the Sindh region.
“We are delighted to welcome Fahad Shafiq in our team. His dedication to youth empowerment and his understanding for unique challenges faced by the youth in Sindh make him an invaluable addition to our program.
We look forward to his contributions in driving positive change and providing new opportunities for the young people of Sindh, ” he said.
Meanwhile, Fahad Shafiq expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, saying, “I am honoured to be appointed as the Coordinator for Sindh.
I am committed to working diligently to give our youth the resources and support they need to succeed. Together, we can create a brighter future for the young people of Sindh.”
IPO-Pakistan hosts meeting on IPR enforcement coordination
ISLAMABAD, Jun 7 (APP): The Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO-Pakistan) held a meeting of the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Enforcement Coordination Committee at headquarters IPO-Pakistan.
The meeting was chaired by Shazia Adnan, Director General of IPO-Pakistan, and attended by representatives from various law enforcement agencies, including the Islamabad police, Rawalpindi police, Pakistan Electronic Media
Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), said a press release issued here on Friday.
The meeting aimed to enhance coordination and cooperation among stakeholders to effectively enforce intellectual property rights in Pakistan.
Director General of IPO-Pakistan welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of collective efforts to protect intellectual property rights in Pakistan. She highlighted the crucial role of IPR enforcement in promoting innovation, creativity, and economic growth.
Nasir Mahmood Zahid, Director Enforcement, presented an overview of intellectual property management and IPR enforcement in Pakistan.
He discussed the current challenges and opportunities in IPR enforcement and stressed the need for a coordinated approach to address these issues.
The meeting also included a detailed discussion on adapting the IPO Act 2012, conducting awareness sessions for the business community, capacity building for IPR enforcement agencies, establishing an online IPR complaint system, and drafting IPR enforcement rules.
The attendees shared their experiences and expertise, and the meeting concluded with a question-and-answer session and closing remarks by the Director General, IPO-Pakistan. The participants agreed to work together to strengthen IPR enforcement in Pakistan, promoting a culture of innovation and creativity.
The meeting was a significant step towards enhancing coordination and cooperation among stakeholders to protect intellectual property rights in Pakistan.