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Artist performing on stage in a drama Titled,(Gwah Rehna) in connection with Independence Day celebrations at Sargodha Arts Council
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Students on their way as the schools open after summer vacations in the city
RAWALPINDI
LB elections to help resolve people’s problem: Rana
ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (APP): Advisor to Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah on Thursday said that local bodies elections would help resolve people’s
problems at their doorsteps.
“There is a consensus regarding conducting local bodies elections so that the issues of the masses could be addressed in
a proper manner, ” he said while talking to a private television channel.
We have held a meeting to reduce inflation besides discussion about organizing the local bodies elections, he said.
Regarding financial assistance to the representatives of LB, he said elected representatives of the LB must have financial assistance.
The measures have also been taken to provide maximum relief to people, he added.
Commenting on dubious role of Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI), he said PTI had been involved in attacking on national institutions and everyone had seen the footage of May 9. During trial, he said everything would be cleared.
SC serves contempt notice to Monal Restaurant’s owner
ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (APP): The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday issued contempt of court notice to the owner of Monal Restaurant Luqman Ali Afzal on propaganda campaign against the top court.
The court also sought details from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province within two weeks regarding Dino Valley in National Park Margalla Hills.
The hearing focus on the commercial activities and housing societies in Margalla Hills.
In its order regarding hearing, the Supreme Court said that the government had withdrawn the notification to hand over the control of Wildlife Management Board to the Ministry of Interior. It said that the respondents had agreed in the court that the restaurants would be shifted from the National Park area.
The order stated that Luqman Ali Afzal, the owner of the restaurant, campaigned against the SC. The restaurant owner propagated that the employees became unemployed due to the court decision.
The court said that Luqman Ali Afzal’s anti-judiciary campaign is contempt of court so a notice is issued to him in the matter.
It said that the court was told that the notification to bring the Wildlife Management Board (WLMB) under the Ministry of interior was withdrawn by the Prime Minister. It said the Prime Minister’s Office should not be disrespected. The PM Office should view whether the given advisory was in public interest or personal interest, it said, adding that matter is left to the government.
The order said that the Attorney General has told to submit a written reply on the matter.
Earlier, the CJP inquired the whereabouts of Luqman Ali Afzal from his brother secretary cabinet Kamran Ali Afzal who expressed ignorance on it.
The court also expressed concern over absence of lawyers Makhdoom Ali Khan and Salman Akram Raja, and remarked that senior lawyers are used to appear in few minutes to get a stay order but after it they are not seen.
The chief justice questioned the chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) that whether he has seen the advertisement of a private housing society. The chairman CDA responded that he viewed it after the matter came in his knowledge.
The CJP said that there are advertisements of private housing society on the entire Constitutional Avenue. Will the CDA take action after the people get exploited or looted by the society? Why not a contempt of court case should be initiated against you, he asked.
The chairman CDA said that the said private housing society comes under government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The lawyer of the housing society Shahkhawar Advocate pleaded that their society was in jurisdiction of KPK, adding that dozens of its ads were displayed in Islamabad. He told the court that an officer of CDA approached the society and asked for sponsor. He said that the society is being set up on the personal land of his client.
The court remarked that should a contempt of court notice be served to the society owner. Whether the owner is giving the impression that the society belong to army as he has given the address of GHQ and even didn’t use the word retire with his name, it asked.
Meanwhile, DG Giliat and Owner of Pine City Capt. (reted) Saddiq Anwar appeared before the court. The chief justice said that it was the judgment of SC that no constructions could be done in area of Margalla Hills.
Later, the court adjourned further hearing of the case.
Terrorists’ attack on police post repulsed in DG Khan
DERA GHAZI KHAN, Aug 15 (APP): Punjab police successfully repulsed an attack by terrorists at an inter-provincial post in Dera Ghazi Khan, police said on Thursday.
Around 50-60 terrorists attacked Likhani police post at the Punjab-KP boundary in DG Khan from all four directions.
However, police managed to identify their presence by thermal image cameras and attacked the terrorists by machine guns and mortar guns forcing them to retreat.
Regional Police Officer DG Khan Captain (Retired) Sajjad Hassan Khan led the operation. IGP Dr. Usman Anwar said that Elite Force and Quick Reaction Force (QRF) back up teams immediately rushed to the check post while DPO Dera Ghazi Khan Syed Ali, leading elite force teams, reached Triman post from where he supervised the operation against terrorists. SHO PS Vehoa and his team has also reached the police post, IGP said.
IGP Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar has announced galantry medals, appreciation certificates and cash prizes for the policemen deployed at Likhani Post.
RPO Sajjad Hassan Khan said that police deployed at inter-provincial check posts have been equipped with modern weapons and mock rehearsals were also held along with CTD, Rangers and other law enforcement agencies to enhance their capacity.
RPO said that the terrorists faced losses in the operation and a search operation was ongoing following their retreat.
Sajjad Hassan Khan said that morale of police was high and no terrorist would be allowed to cross the check posts and harm peace.
‘Ring leader’ must now face the music for his misadventures: Tarar
LAHORE, Aug 15 (APP): Minister for Information, Broadcasting, Culture and National Heritage on Thursday said swift and rigorous accountability of the ‘ring leader of anarchist group’ was long-overdue, for his misadventures to sabotage the national interests.
Addressing a news conference, he said that “Irrefutable and glaring” evidence came forth after an investigation of the former spy chief Faiz Hameed that showed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder was the real mastermind of the conspiracy against the country.
The May 9 arson attacks on the sensitive installations and writing of a letter to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) by the PTI leadership for sabotaging the agreement, were the clear indications of the conspiracy, he added.
The minister said the whole nation witnessed the misadventures of the ‘group of anarchists’, hell bent upon creating chaos and instability.
He welcomed and lauded the decision of the institution to hold its former ISI chief accountable under its self-accountability initiative which ought to be followed by all institutions.
He referred to the press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations that indicated that three retired officers had also been taken to the custody after the investigation of former spy chief Faiz Hameed. The political instability and chaos was apparently created on the behest of the PTI founder, he added.
He said the conspiracy was handiwork of the PTI leader, for fomenting instability in the country.
Tarar said that it seemed that Faiz Hameed was somehow involved in the politics as he worked to foil the no-confidence motion against the PTI founder. Nobody would be allowed to harm the national interests for some vested interests, he added.
He said the current investigation might lead to the arrest of more individuals who were involved in anti-state activities.
The minister wondered that now the PTI founder had distanced himself from those conspiracies despite his direct messages from the jail to carry out the negative motives.
He said efforts were underway to prevent chaos and bring political and economic stability under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The prime minister, while delivering his speech on the occasion of August 14, had announced the launch of home-grown economic reform programme for the next five years which was bound to progress, he added.
Tarar said the government had stabilized the rupee, and did reduce petrol and electricity prices through prudent economic policies.
ICCI organizes Independence Day celebrations at Deosai
ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (APP): Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) hosted a flag hoisting ceremony at Deosai, one of the highest place of the world in order to celebrate the 78th Independence Day of the country, the other day.
The ambassadors of the European Union, Egypt, Myanmar, Yemen, Malaysia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan along with the representatives of Turkey and Portugal envoys participated in the event, said a press release issued here Thursday.
Speaking on the occasion, President ICCI Ahsan Bakhtawari said that the Chamber was proud to have the honor of celebrating the Independence Day and hoisting the national flag at the highest venue of the country.
He said that the aim of celebrating the day at this most beautiful area of Pakistan was to highlight the positive image of the country.
He said that on this significant occasion, we all need to re-energize our determination to serve this country with true passion, dedication and hard work for its development, prosperity and security.
He paid glowing tributes to the martyrs on behalf of the business community of Pakistan, whose sacrifices have turned the motherland impregnable.
Addressing the ceremony, European Union Ambassador Dr Riina Kionuka said on this happy occasion, she on behalf of the EU, congratulates the brave and passionate Pakistani nation, vowing to strengthen cooperation in every field, including education, trade, health, and climate change.
Mazhar Bin Mazlan, the High Commissioner of Malaysia said that Pakistan and Malaysia were friends and partners of good and bad times. He said that Malaysia was proud of the achievements of Pakistan it obtained after its independence.
He also expressed his gratitude to President ICCI Ahsan Bakhtawari and his entire team for enabling him to join independence celebrations at this most beautiful region.
Ambassador of Azarbaijan Khizr Farhadov extended heartfelt congratulations to the government and the people of Pakistan on behalf of his government and the people. He said that both the countries had worked together in every field in the last two decades and that steps were being taken to increase this multifaceted cooperation.
Addressing the ceremony, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan Yerzan Kristafin said that Pakistan was the most beautiful country and its brilliant people were its pride and that participation in the celebration was a source of joy and honor for him.
On this happy occasion, we once again express our commitment determination to enhance this mutual cooperation for the benefit of the people of the two countries, he remarked.
DG FIA Ahmed Ishaq Jahangir to Receive Prestigious award “Hilal-e-Imtiaz” for Outstanding Service
ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (APP):In recognition of his exceptional leadership and dedication to combating serious crimes, Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Ahmed Ishaq Jahangir has been approved to receive Pakistan’s second highest civilian award “Hilal-e-Imtiaz” by the President.
Jahangir’s tireless efforts in preventing human trafficking, terrorism, money laundering, and online sexual harassment have earned him this prestigious honor.
DG FIA Ahmed Ishaq Jahangir will be conferred with the Hilal-e-Imtiaz award on March 23, 2025, in recognition of his meritorious services to the nation.
Under his leadership, the FIA has made significant strides in combating serious crimes, including human trafficking, terrorism, and cybercrime.
Jahangir, a seasoned police officer with over three decades of experience, has played a pivotal role in transforming the FIA into a modern and effective law enforcement agency. His initiatives have led to the establishment of special cells across the country, tackling online sexual exploitation of children and developing strategies to prevent cybercrime.
The FIA, under Jahangir’s leadership, has also strengthened international collaborations, fostering cooperation with global organizations to address cyber challenges. His efforts have resulted in notable successes, including arrests of individuals involved in cybercrime and human trafficking.
Jahangir’s contributions extend beyond his tenure as FIA chief. He drafted the Police Rules 2018-2017, modernizing police practices and improving working methods. He was previously awarded the President’s Police Medal in 1995 for his outstanding performance.
The Star Imtiaz award is a testament to Jahangir’s unwavering commitment to public service and his dedication to making Pakistan a safer and more secure nation.
CM Sindh honours Olympian Arshad Nadeem
KARACHI, Aug 15 (APP): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah hosted Javelin thrower and Olympic Champion Arshad Nadeem at the CM House, honouring his historic achievements and stressing the importance of securing more gold medals to motivate the nation.
Murad Shah highlighted the potential of Pakistan’s 240 million population, suggesting the country should aspire to win at least 24 gold medals on the international stage.
Arshad Nadeem is our national pride, said the CM. “You have made history and act as a role model for the youth of our country,” he said to the gold medalist and added, “his victory on the international stage shows that determination overcomes all shortcomings and obstacles.”
When Arshad Nadeem arrived at the CM house the provincial cabinet session was in progress and the CM temporarily stopped to personally welcome the Gold Medalist.
The CM along with his cabinet members warmly welcomed Arshad Nadeem and applauded his record-breaking throw of 92.97 meters, a remarkable achievement that inspired people all over the world.
CM Shah recalled watching Arshad Nadeem’s historic win with the nation. “It was a night to remember. We couldn’t stop discussing your incredible performance with friends and family,” he told Nadeem.
Arshad Nadeem expressed his gratitude to the CM for his support and encouragement. He mentioned how the congratulatory phone call he received from the Sindh CM at Parishad motivated him to strive for even greater accomplishments.
Arshad Nadeem proudly showcased his Olympic Gold Medal during the meeting, kindling pride and a strong sense of national accomplishment in the room. Cabinet members applauded enthusiastically and congratulated Nadeem.
In recognition of Arshad Nadeem’s remarkable achievements, CM Murad Ali Shah awarded him Rs 50 million and traditional Sindhi gifts such as an Ajrak, cap, khes, and other memorabilia. Minister P&D Nasir Shah gifted a car to Arshad Nadeem’s mother, appreciating her for nurturing such a brave and skilled son. Additionally, Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon committed to providing a premium number plate for the car.
Minister for Local Government Saeed Ghani declared that an important road in Karachi would be named after Arshad Nadeem, commemorating his national contributions. Minister for Sports Sardar Mohammad Bux Maher also handed Nadeem a cheque, both from his department and his personal funds.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab has already announced the establishment of a sports academy in honour of Arshad Nadeem.
At the end of the reception, CM Murad Ali Shah reassured Arshad Nadeem of his steadfast support. “You are only a phone call away,” he told Nadeem. “Whenever you need anything or have suggestions for promoting sports in the province, I am here to help.”
Arshad Nadeem expressed his gratitude to the chief minister for his ongoing support and his dedication to Nadeem’s accomplishments.
The event concluded with a commitment to boosting sports in Pakistan, inspired by Arshad Nadeem’s remarkable achievements.
FGEHA updates Senate body on progress in F-12 and G-12 sectors
ISLAMABAD, Aug 15 (APP): The Director General of the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) Thursday provided a progress update on Sectors F-12 and G-12 to the Senate Standing Committee on Housing and Works.
The meeting of the Committee was presided over by Senator Nasir Mehmood.
The Director General informed the Committee that an award of Rs. 7.23 million per kanal for these sectors was announced on April 23, 2023.
He also highlighted complications with the landowners of Sectors F-14 and F-15, noting that weekly hearings are being held and Sector F-12 will be launched as soon as the Supreme Court issues its final judgment. The progress and complications in the development of Sectors G-13 and G-14 were also discussed in detail.
The Committee members further reviewed the details of the auction of commercial plots held on August 7, 2024.
It was reported that during its 31st meeting on January 31, 2024, the Executive Board of the FGEHA approved a proposal to divide a plot from the Federal Government Employees Housing Foundation (EHFPRO) project.
Following the Executive Board’s decision on January 11, 2024, the FGEHA divided this 13-kanal project into three plots to maximize revenue potential while considering current market dynamics.
The Director General pointed out that the slow progress of the project has led to a lack of investor interest, despite efforts such as below-the-line advertising.
He mentioned that heavy taxation might have contributed to the auction’s failure, citing the tax increase from 43% to 63% after July 8 as a possible factor that deterred potential investors.
The officials briefed the committee on the project’s advertising efforts, noting that the first advertisement was released on July 5, 2024, followed by several others.
The Chairman of the Committee expressed concern over the significant financial losses incurred without achieving tangible results. Senator Khalida Ateeb also highlighted the lack of outcomes despite extensive advertising efforts. Chairman Senator Nasir Mehmood urged the formulation of a pragmatic strategy to overcome this stagnation.
The Committee also received an update on the Pak PWD land illegally occupied by the TMA Murree (Punjab Government).
Officials briefed the committee on multiple cases in civil courts regarding the possession of Constantia Lodge in Murree. Of the 36-kanal project, 6.8 kanals are under the control of the Ministry, 18 kanals are occupied by TMA Murree, and 12 kanals are held by Faujdar Khan (Chowkidar) and his children. Legal proceedings have been initiated to address the matter, and the issue has been brought to the Prime Minister’s attention, who has directed that the litigation be resolved expeditiously.
Senator Saifullah Abro inquired about the list of officers on deputation and whether any action had been taken against the miscreants.
The Minister of Housing and Works responded that action is being taken, and the list will be shared with the Committee. The members also discussed a question raised by Senator Raja Nasir regarding the laws and rules for the separate allocation of Imam Bargahs in the sectors developed by FGEHA. Officials assured that religious sanctity is maintained during the allocation process.
The Chairman of the Committee directed that laws and rules be formulated to allocate separate religious places to ensure the sanctity of all religious communities is respected.