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Pakistan, Russia signed agreement to upgrade railway sector

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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Pakistan, Russia
ISLAMABAD, Jun 7 (APP): Pakistan and Russia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in Railway sector on Friday on the sidelines of 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).
The Memorandum of Understanding aims to explore opportunities for implementing railway upgrade projects and other initiatives within this crucial sector.
According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Railways, the MoU also establishes a framework for potential future collaboration with relevant companies operating in this sector.
Furthermore, it seeks to enhance and streamline international cargo transport.
The MoU was signed by Ambassador Muhammad Khalid Jamali from Pakistan side and Deputy Transport Minister  D.S. Zverev from the Russian side.

Pakistan, China agree to promote cooperation between NPC, parliament

By
NNPS Desk
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Pakistan, China

BEIJING, Jun 07 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday met Chairman of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee Zhao Leji wherein they agreed to promote engagement and cooperation between NPC and the Parliament of Pakistan.

The prime minister, who is on a five-day official visit to China, proposed several initiatives to strengthen parliamentary exchanges, including enhancing interactions between the China-Pakistan Friendship Groups and exchanging delegations of young parliamentarians

The prime minister paid rich tribute to Chairman Zhao for his contributions to Chinese politics and society and congratulated him on successfully convening the NPC’s annual session.

Prime Minister Shehbaz noted Zhao Leji’s important position in the Communist Party of China (CPC) and NPC which underlined the trust placed in him by the Chinese leadership and people.

He stated that the relations with China were the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.

The prime minister noted that the unique and special relationship between the two countries was based on strategic trust, commonality of views, and practical cooperation.

Chairman Zhao Leji echoed the prime minister’s warm sentiments and noted that under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping, China was also committed to further solidifying the ‘All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership’ with Pakistan.

The two sides reaffirmed support to each other’s core interests. They noted the positive momentum in high level exchanges and underscored the need to maintaining the momentum for further deepening of iron-clad friendship between the two countries.

Highlighting the important role of CPEC in Pakistan’s economic transformation, the prime minister noted that the high quality development under the CPEC’s phase II would prioritize cooperation in the development of Special Economic Zones (SEZ’s), industries, IT, mines and minerals, agriculture and clean energy, among others.

He also noted the importance of convening the next round of the Joint Consultative Mechanism Political Parties under the CPEC.

Chairman Zhao congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz on Pakistan’s election as the non-permanent member of UNSC for the term 2025-2026.

Both leaders agreed that this offered an opportunity for the two countries to work together on questions of peace and promoting with law and multilateralism.

Chairman Senate directs to resolve constitution of Senate Standing Committees immediately

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
Chairman Senate
ISLAMABAD, Jun 07 (APP): Chairman Senate, Syed Yusuf Raza Gillani on Friday during the House Business Advisory Committee (HBAC) directed that the matter concerning constitution of Senate Standing Committees should be resolved immediately, so that the committees could play their role effectively.
The House Business Advisory Committee (HBAC) of the Senate met here at the Parliament House, presided over by Chairman Senate Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, which discussed in detail legislative business to be transacted during the 339th Session of the Senate, said a news release issued here.
Besides legislative business, the session would take up discussion on other important issues.  The HBAC decided that the current session would continue till June 21.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chairman Senate, Senator Syedal Khan, Leader of Opposition Syed Shibli Fraz, Senator Sherry Rehman, Senator Irfan ul Haq Siddiqui, Senator Atta ur Rehman, Senator Jan Muhammad, Senator Manzoor Ahmad Kakar, Senator Kamil Ali Agha, Senator Hidayatullah Khan, Minister for Law & Justice Muhammad Azam Nazir Tarrar and Secretary Senate Syed Hasnain Haider.

President Zardari confers Nishan-i-Pakistan award on Prince Rahim Aga Khan

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NNPS Desk
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President Zardari
ISLAMABAD, Jun 07 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday conferred the Nishan-i-Pakistan award on Prince Rahim Aga Khan, in recognition of his meritorious services for the development, prosperity, and betterment of Pakistan and its people.
The top civilian award was conferred on Prince Rahim Aga Khan at a special investiture ceremony held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr and attended by Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, federal ministers, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, parliamentarians, diplomats, and senior government officers.
According to the citation read out on the occasion, Prince Rahim Aga Khan, through his many leadership roles for more than a quarter century within the Aga Khan Development Network, dedicated his untiring efforts to improve the living standard of the people in resource-constrained regions of Asia and Africa.
Upholding a multigenerational legacy, Prince Rahim has contributed immensely to the economic, health, education, and cultural well-being of poor and marginalized communities.
It was told that under his leadership, the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development has advanced path-breaking initiatives in Pakistan in commercial banking, microfinance, insurance, sustainable tourism and renewable energy sectors. The Fund has enabled access to financial services for nearly 50 million people in Pakistan.
As the Founding Chairman of Aga Khan Development Network’s Climate and Environment Committee, Prince Rahim Aga Khan has spearheaded the establishment of environmental stewardship policies and best practices to address climate change issues, besides generously supporting the people of Pakistan in the wake of devastating floods of 2022.
The services of the Aga Khan family for the Muslims of India, the formation of the All India Muslim League, and the creation of Pakistan were also highlighted.
Later, Prince Rahim Aga Khan called on President Asif Ali Zardari, wherein they discussed the role of the Aga Khan Development Network in Pakistan’s socio-economic development.
Chairman HBL, Sultan Ali Allana, and senior government officials also attended the meeting.
The president was briefed about the role and development projects being undertaken by AKDN in various areas of the country.
President Zardari thanked Prince Rahim Aga Khan for visiting Pakistan and expressed the hope that he would frequently visit the country.
During the meeting, the president underscored the need to focus on the country’s educational development.
He appreciated Prince Rahim Aga Khan for upholding the multi-generational legacy of the Aga Khan family which had enormously contributed to the socio-economic development of Pakistan.
The prince thanked the president for conferring upon him the award of Nishan-i-Pakistan.

Rupee gains 19 paisa against Dollar

By
NNPS Desk
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dollar

ISLAMABAD, Jun 7 (APP): Pakistan Rupee on Friday gained 19 paisa against the US Dollar in the interbank trading and closed at Rs 278.20 against the previous day’s closing at Rs 278.39.

According to the Forex Association of Pakistan (FAP), the buying and selling rates of the Dollar in the open market, however, were Rs 277.75 and Rs 280.5 respectively.

The price of the Euro increased by 23 paisa to close at Rs 302.95 against the last day’s closing of Rs 302.72, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

The Japanese Yen remained unchanged to close at Rs 1.78, whereas an increase of 18 paisa was witnessed in the exchange rate of the British Pound, which traded at Rs 356.04 as compared to the last day’s closing of Rs 355.86.

The exchange rate of the Emirates Dirham and the Saudi Riyal decreased by 05 paisa each to close at Rs 75.74 and Rs 74.17.

Sacrificial animals’ prices skyrocket in Sukkur

By
NNPS Desk
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Sacrificial animals

SUKKUR, Jun 07 (APP): With only nine days remaining in the second Muslim religious festival Eid-ul-Azha, the prices of the sacrificial animals are registering an upward trend as a sacrifice this year seems merely a dream for many salaried and middle-class families. A market survey conducted by this scribe here Friday, revealed that this year the prices of sacrificial animals have gone double as compared to that of last year.

Many of the retired and serving government employees seem unable to perform the important religious obligation this time because sacrificial animals are beyond their purchasing power, “Riaz Ahmed Samo, a retired government employee said.

A buffalo and cow are now being sold for Rs.400,000 – 600,000 in the different localities of Sukkur. “The total sale of sacrificial animals these days is around 50 against 300 cattle last year,” said a businessman of cattle Muhammad Naeem.

He said he has so far received about 500 cattle from Punjab and Sindh provinces and I expect more from other provinces as Eid-ul- Azha become closer. These days, he said, most of the buyers just come, ask about prices and then return empty hands, he remarked.

“The prices of ox and goats are higher here than in Punjab and Upper Sindh,” Muhammad Naeem said. He said that he refused the offer of Rs 280,000 for his ox named “Hera” as he was demanding Rs 350,000 for it at Ali Wahan area of Sukkur.

He, however, said sometimes they are suffering financial losses when their cattle were not sold during Eid-ul-Azha days or die due to very hot weather. However, middle-class circles feared that due to the high prices of other commodities, the rates of sacrificial animals would also remain out of reach of the general public.

Traders expressed the hope that sales will gain momentum in the coming days as Sukkur city dwellers, which have difficulties in keeping the animals in their yards, will start visiting the markets.

The district administration has allotted an open space for the establishment of sacrificial animals “Mandi” for Eid-ul-Azha. “Mandi” in Sukkur is being established outside of bypass road Sukkur. The sellers are demanding high prices for the animals because they have a lot of time in extreme heatwave to wait for the customers ready to pay their desired prices.

Excise police foil drug smuggling bid

By
Waseem Iqbal
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Excise
PESHAWAR, Jun 07 (APP): The Excise Taxation and Narcotics Control Department has foiled a bid to smuggle narcotics and arrested three accused during an action at Nowshera-Peshawar GT Road here on Friday.
According to the department, a team from the Ajab Bagh check post. Mardan Region Excise Police stopped a suspicious vehicle with registration number BW 954 and upon searching the vehicle, 120 kilograms of hashish and 1000 grams of ice-drug were recovered, valued at millions of rupees.
The police also arrested three suspects involved in the drug smuggling including Sadiq Hayat, son of Niaz Mir, resident of Zarinabad Chamkani; Zubair Khan, son of Sartaj, resident of Daman Korona Mata Mughal Khel Sadar Ghari Shabqadar; and Gul Khatar, son of Hukum Baz, resident of ShahKas Jamrud.
A case has been registered against the accused at the Mardan Region Excise Police Station for further investigation and legal action.
Crackdown against drug dealers is continuing in light of special directives from Secretary Excise Syed Fayyaz Ali Shah and Director General Excise Ahmad Zaib.

ICT admin to set up 24/7 control room for cleanliness during Eid

By
Waseem Iqbal
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 07 (APP):Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa on Friday chaired a meeting to streamline the operation of cattle markets and maintain cleanliness across the city.
According to the details issued by the spokesman of the Chief Commissioner Office, Nouman Nazim the meeting reviewed preparation for Eid ul Azha in the Federal Capital and it was attended by representatives from various sectors, focused on managing the expected influx of livestock and ensuring that hygiene standards remain high during the festive period.
A 24/7 Control Room will be set up to handle any complaints and issues that arise. This service aims to provide immediate assistance and solutions to residents during the busy days of Eid.
Additionally, biodegradable bags will be distributed to help manage waste more effectively.
An awareness campaign will be launched to inform citizens about the importance of using designated facilities and following guidelines to keep the city clean. This campaign will emphasise community cooperation and the collective effort needed to maintain a safe and hygienic environment.
Chief Commissioner Randhawa stressed the importance of community participation in the meeting. He urged residents to take advantage of the facilities provided and to follow the guidelines to ensure that everyone can enjoy a clean and safe Eid ul Azha.
By implementing these measures, the city administration aimed to create a smoother, cleaner experience for all during the festivities, the spokesman added.

Structural reforms vital for sustainable progress, says Dr Khaqan Najeeb

By
Waseem Iqbal
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0
Khaqan Najeeb
ISLAMABAD, Jun 7 (APP): Senior economist and public policy expert Dr Khaqan Najeeb on Friday emphasised an urgent need for comprehensive economic reforms to secure long-lasting benefits for Pakistan’s economy.
Speaking to a private news channel, Dr Najeeb said that focusing on structural economic reforms was essential for navigating the current crisis and achieving sustainable progress. He pointed out that while International Monetary Fund (IMF) engagement provides short-term stability and it does not address the fundamental issues of the economy.
He called for comprehensive economic and administrative reforms, including pension reforms and a critical review of subsidies in various sectors. He stressed the importance of widening the tax net and reducing wasteful government expenditures on inefficient state-owned enterprises.
He said that to improve revenue performance by reducing subsidies and expanding the tax base to include adequate taxation of land, assets and environmentally damaging activities was needed. “Incorporating property owners, large traders, and landowners into the tax net has become imperative,” he added.
Dr Najeeb praised the efforts of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) but stressed that these efforts need to be accelerated. He urged the government to identify and promote promising projects to attract more foreign investment.

PPP asks KP CM to tender apology for derogatory remarks

By
NNPS Desk
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0
PPP

PESHAWAR, Jun 07 (APP): The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Peshawar city chapter has asked KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur to tender apology for his derogatory remarks against PPP leadership and Governor KP Faisal Karim Kundi.

Addressing a press conference at press club here Friday, President PPP Peshawar City, Zulfikar Afghani warned the chief minister of derogatory language against their Party leadership. Otherwise, he said that they take streets against them including holding a demo in front of the Chief Minister’s House. Other PPP leaders present on the occasion were included Khawaja Yawar Naseer, Mohammad Adnan Jalil, Abidullah Khan Yousafzai, Malik Zulfikar Awan, Tahir Abbas, Munir Camrade, Riaz Khan and Junaid Khan.

The PPP stalwart criticized the PTI led provincial government for its poor governance for last 12 years, which has pushed the province to backwardness and lawlessness. He said that the PPP leadership had rendered unprecedented sacrifices for the restoration and strengthening of democracy, supremacy of law and constitution.

Rejecting the tirade of the Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur against PPP chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, he said that soon after Eidul Azha, the former will visit the provincial metropolis and also address gatherings of the party workers.

Similarly, he said that KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi is a devoted and popular political leader and has achieved several successes in the politics of hia native district D.I. Khan and has defeated his political rivals.

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