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Pakistan, China resolve to protect CPEC from detractors; ensure projects’ timely completion

By
Ishtiaq Rao
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0

BEIJING, Jun 7 (APP):Pakistan and China on Friday expressed their firm commitment to protect the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) from its detractors and adversaries,
besides ensuring high-quality development and timely completion of its all ongoing projects.

The bilateral ties and cooperation were discussed in the delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People. The prime minister was accompanied by key members of his cabinet.

A welcome ceremony was arranged in honour of the prime minister on his arrival at the Great Hall of the People.

Pakistan, China resolve to protect CPEC from detractors; ensure projects' timely completion

During the talks, the two leaders discussed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, and regional and global developments of mutual interest.

They noted that the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership was characterized by mutual trust, shared principles and strategic convergence.

Premier Li congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Pakistan’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

The two leaders reaffirmed unwavering support for each other on core issues, and expressed continued commitment and support for the high-quality development of CPEC.

Pakistan, China resolve to protect CPEC from detractors; ensure projects' timely completion

They also emphasized the timely completion of all ongoing projects with a special focus on industrial development, agriculture modernization, science and technology, and development of Special Economic Zones for mutually beneficial and socio-economic development of Pakistan.

The two sides discussed the significance of Gwadar as an important pillar of the CPEC and agreed to expedite the timely completion of all related infrastructure projects to transform it into a regional economic hub.

They also expressed their firm commitment to protect the CPEC from its detractors and adversaries, and to upgrade it in the form of enhanced cooperation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s unflinching resolve to ensure the safety and security of Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan.

The two sides agreed to maintain high-level exchanges, including strengthening institutional linkages at all tiers and in all spheres of bilateral cooperation. Pakistan and China would also continue to consult closely on issues of regional and global significance and multilateral fora, especially during the two-year tenure of Pakistan as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

The delegation-level talks were followed by an MoU signing ceremony, witnessed by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Premier Li Qiang. The two sides signed 23 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and agreements deepening cooperation in transport infrastructure, industry, energy, agriculture, media, health, water, socio-economic development and others of mutual interest.

The meeting was followed by an official banquet hosted by Premier Li Qiang in honour of PM Shehbaz.

Meanwhile in his social media post on X, the prime minister said during his meeting with the Chinese premier, he had a detailed discussion on all areas of mutual interest, including bilateral as well as regional and global developments.

“Reaffirmed our shared desire to further strengthen the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic partnership and upgrade CPEC in the form of enhanced cooperation. Noted with satisfaction the steady progress of CPEC which is now moving to its second phase.”

He also thanked Premier Li for his kind remarks about his government, and said they witnessed the signing of bilateral MoUs and agreements in various fields.

PM Shehbaz said he extended a warm and cordial invitation to Premier Li to visit Pakistan.

“Proud of our friendship with China which draws strength from the hearts of our peoples and their shared desire for peace progress and prosperity,” he concluded.

Gold rates remained unchanged at Rs 243,000 per tola

By
NNPS Desk
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0
GOLD

ISLAMABAD, Jun 7 (APP): The per tola price of 24 karat gold remained unchanged at Rs 243,000 on Friday, All Sindh Sarafa Jewellers Association reported.

Likewise, the price of 10 grams of 24 karat gold and 10 grams 22 karat also witnessed no change and was sold at Rs 208,333 and Rs 190,972, respectively.

Per tola and ten gram silver were also sold at same rates at Rs2,800 and Rs.2400.54 respectively.

The price of gold in the international market remained stagnant at $2,362, the Association reported.

Two-day training workshop on climate change studies held

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
PESHAWAR, Jun 07 (APP):University of Agriculture, Peshawar, in collaboration with Climate, Energy and Water Research Institute and Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) Islamabad organized a two-day workshop here on Friday on climate smart agriculture to mitigate drought in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
officials of various departments including Department of Agriculture Extension, Department of Agriculture Research, Department of of Farm Water Management, Department of Soil and Water Conservation and Department of Livestock and Dairy Development Extension Khyber Pakhtunkhwa participated in the workshop.
These departments play an important role in implementing sustainable agricultural practices to address the challenges posed by climate change, particularly drought. Vice Chancellor Emeritus Prof. Dr. Jahan Bakht attended as a special guest. Prof Dr. Humayun Khan, Deputy Director Dr. Haroon Khan, Dr. Bashir Ahmad, Dr. Akhtar Abbas, and Engineer Ali Kamran gave lectures in the workshop.
Presentations covered topics essential to advance climate smart agricultural practices, increase drought resilience and ensure sustainable water management in the region.
Prof. Dr. Jahan Bakht emphasized the urgent need to adopt climate smart agricultural practices to reduce the negative effects of drought.
He said, “Collaboration between academic institutions and research institutes is critical to develop innovative solutions that can protect our agricultural sector from the growing threat of climate change. This workshop will create a resilient and sustainable agricultural framework in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It’s a step towards building a work.”
Participants took active part in interactive sessions and discussions focusing on practical strategies and technologies to enhance farmers’ adaptive capacity. The workshop also provided a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among various stakeholders, promoting a collective approach to tackling environmental challenges.
The University of Agriculture, Peshawar Climate Change Studies and Park Islamabad reiterated their joint commitment to continue such initiatives to equip local farmers and agriculture departments with the necessary information and tools to effectively implement climate smart agriculture.

Pakistan calls for India’s accountability over 7,000 custodial deaths in IIOJK

By
Ishtiaq Rao
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 7 (APP): Pakistan on Friday reiterated its call for India to be held accountable for its unabated human rights abuses in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) where over 7,000 Kashmiris had so far died in the custody of Indian forces during the last three decades.
Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, at her weekly press briefing, highlighted the reported death of a Kashmiri civilian at a police station in IIOJK’s Pulwama district.
“This is not the first incident of its kind as over the last three decades the number of custodial deaths in IIOJK has exceeded 7,000. The perpetrators of these crimes should be held accountable,” she said reaffirming Pakistan’s continuous political, diplomatic and moral support to Kashmiri people for the just and peaceful settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions
Highlighting Pakistan’s election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the term 2025-2026 with the overwhelming support of 182 members of the UN General Assembly, she thanked the members, particularly Asia Pacific Group for their confidence.
She told the media that at the Council, Pakistan would play its role in the peaceful resolution of disputes, opposing the resort to unilateral force, combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations, supporting UN peacekeeping efforts, resolution for regional and international crises, and promoting democracy, transparency, and accountability.
Spokesperson Baloch strongly condemned the horrific bombing of Israeli forces on the UN-run school sheltering Palestinian refugees that led to multiple deaths of mostly women and children.
“This attack is another crime in a series of attacks against civilians including an IDP Camp last week that resulted in the deaths of 45 Palestinians. The deliberate targeting of civilian population and facilities is a grave violation of international law and constitutes war crimes,” she added.
Condemning the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound by hundreds of Israeli extremists, she said it was the responsibility of the occupation authorities to respect religious sites. We reiterate our call for an urgent and unconditional ceasefire to the massacre of civilians and hold Israel accountable for its crimes, she said.
She told the media that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar would undertake a one-day visit to Istanbul to attend the extraordinary meeting of the D8 Council of Foreign Ministers on the situation in Gaza.
The D8 foreign ministers would deliberate upon the shared responsibility of the International community to bring an urgent and unconditional ceasefire and an end to the inhumane and unjustified war on the people of Gaza, the spokesperson added.
The deputy prime minister will present Pakistan’s stance on the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the urgency of the unconditional ceasefire, lifting of the siege and humanitarian relief for the Palestinian people, she said.
The spokesperson informed the media about the passing of the Tunisian Ambassador in Islamabad Borhene El Kamel, due to prolonged illness, and expressed condolences and sympathies with the Tunisian government the grieved family.
Regarding Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s ongoing five-day visit to China, she said that following the delegation-level talks with Premier Li Qiang earlier on the day, both sides had signed 23 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to deepen bilateral cooperation in multiple areas including transport infrastructure, industry, energy, agriculture, media, health, water, socioeconomic development, and other areas of mutual interest.
During the talks, the two sides expressed unwavering support for each other’s core issues and reiterated their commitment to the high-quality development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the timely completion of ongoing projects.
Both sides also resolved to protect the CPEC from detractors and adversaries with Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirming commitment to ensure the safety and security of Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan.
Replying to a question, the FO Spokesperson said Pakistan had have received an invitation to attend an international conference on Gaza. “Decisions regarding Pakistan’s participation are under consideration and will be announced soon.”
As regards the meeting of the regional contact group for Afghanistan to  be held in Tehran tomorrow in which Special Envoys of Iran, China, Russia would participate, she confirmed that Pakistan’s Special Representative on Afghanistan, Ambassador Asif Durrani, will attend the quadrilateral meeting being held in Iran.
She said it was important for the regional countries, especially the neighbours of Afghanistan, to consult and work together for ensuring peace, stability and security in Afghanistan, to ensure that Afghanistan is not a source of terrorism in the region and to support Afghanistan’s efforts for the economic well-being of its people.

Five cattle markets made operational across district

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
MULTAN, Jun 07 (APP):Five cattle markets, including a model cattle market, have been made operational across the district for Eid-ul-Azha.
Deputy Commissioner Waseem Hamid Sindhu made a surprise visit to the temporary cattle market in Shujabad here on Friday.
DC inspected the district departments’ counters in the cattle market and took briefing.
Assistant Commissioner Shujabad, Fayaz Ali Jatala, gave briefing on the cattle market arrangements.
Waseem Hamid Sindhu stated that the cattle markets have been established in Moza Samorana, Fatima Jinnah town, Old Shujabad road,  Jalalpur Pirwala & Shujabad.
Illegal cattle markets would not be allowed to be established anywhere in urban areas.
He added that arrangements for security, parking and vaccination have been made for the convenience of citizens and brokers.
Strict action will be taken on the complaint of extortion in buying and selling of cattle, he warned.

Partly cloudy weather likely to persist in most districts of KP

By
Waseem Iqbal
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0
weather
PESHAWAR, Jun 07 (APP): The weather would be partly cloudy in most districts across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), an official of the Meteorological Department said here on Friday.
Giving details about the overall weather, the official of the Meteorological Department said, “There is a chance of light rain in plain areas of KP with rain and thunder in some upper districts.”
“The minimum temperature in Peshawar city is 19 °C, while the maximum temperature is likely to reach 35 °C,” Meteorological Department officials said.
He disclosed that 14 mm of rain was recorded in Kakul, the highest rainfall in 20 hours; 6 mm in Dir; 2 mm in Kalam; and 2 mm in Balakot; 2 mm of rainfall in Peshawar; and 1 mm each in Takhtbai, Bajaur, Khyber, and Mohmand.

Expert on WFS day stresses awarness, urgent steps to fight malnutrition with adoption of healthy lifestyle

By
Waseem Iqbal
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0
WSF
ISLAMABAD, Jun 7 (APP): Member of Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), Sadiq Afridi stressed media awareness for stepping up efforts to ensure food safety and to fight malnutrition with the adoption of a healthy lifestyle.
 Talking to the PTV news in connection with World Food Safety Day (WFS), he explained the theme for WFS Day 2024 is “Safe Food Now for a Healthy Tomorrow,” adding, this theme emphasises the critical role that safe food plays in ensuring a healthy future for individuals and communities. It underscores the need for sustainable food production systems that can prevent food-borne illnesses and contribute to long-term health and well-being, he added.
He said, “The responsibility of each of us to preserve safe food along the supply chain”, adding, changing lifestyles, junk food, unphysical activities, over-eating and obesity were the root causes of the many diseases.
By promoting awareness, encouraging best practices, and fostering global collaboration, this observance plays a crucial role in reducing food-borne illnesses and promoting a healthier, safer world, he added.
Unsafe food should be minimised, he said, adding, food unsafe for consumption causes millions of cases of food-borne diseases and deaths every year.
Furthermore, he said that the burden of food-borne diseases are borne by individuals of all ages, but particularly by children under five years of age and by persons living in low-income regions of the world.
He said that the provision of safe and healthy food was a collective responsibility that demanded the contribution of all stakeholders, adding, food insecurity and food-borne disease are closely linked: unsafe foodstuff is consumed when safe food is not accessible.
“Food-borne illnesses have become a major public health concern in recent years, he said, adding that safe food is the responsibility of all those involved in food production until consumption”, he maintained.
He said that the campaign will focus on engaging the youth and committing them to making food safety a part of their culture, adding, “We cannot compromise on food safety in any way”.
“We always try to create awareness about food safety among our customers to practice good habits at their homes and offices,” he added.
“We can minimise the risk of food contamination and adulteration and ensure food safety by ensuring strict compliance with these standards”, he highlighted.
The WFS day reminds us of the need to strengthen food safety regulations and standards that govern the production, processing, and distribution of food.

Operation against illegal cattle markets in Karachi, owner arrested

By
Waseem Iqbal
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0
Syed Hassan Naqvi
KARACHI, Jun 07 (APP): Commissioner Karachi, Syed Hassan Naqvi, has taken notice of illegal cattle markets (mandis) in the city.
In District South, Assistant Commissioner Aram Bagh has removed an illegal cattle mandi and arrested the owner.
City administration officials are taking action against illegal cattle mandi every day based on information and complaints received from media and citizens.
Commissioner Karachi has given clear instructions to the Deputy Commissioners to take action against illegal cattle mandis in their respective districts and remove them immediately. In District South, an illegal cattle market operating in a dilapidated building was shut down, and the owner was arrested.
The building has been vacated, and electricity supply has been disconnected.
Commissioner Karachi, Syed Hassan Naqvi, has warned cattle sellers to refrain from establishing illegal markets, stating that all cattle markets operating without permission from the Karachi administration are illegal and will face strict action.

Opposition’s protest leads to adjournment of Senate session till Monday

By
NNPS Desk
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0
Senate

ISLAMABAD, Jun 07 (APP): The continuous protest by the Opposition members in the Senate on Friday led to adjournment of the session till Monday at 05:00 pm.

Soon after calling attentions business, Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan from panel of presiding officers assumed the chair as the Chairman, requested leave from the House to witness oath taking of his newly elected son as member National Assembly. However, Leader of the Opposition Syed Shibli Faraz along with other opposition members, started protest and pointed out that in the presence of Deputy Chairman, the presiding officer cannot chair the session.

The Presiding Officer while quoting the Rule 14 of procedure and conduct in Senate, observed that she could preside the House. She went on to say that it was the prerogative of the Chairman Senate to nominate any member of the House as presiding officer.

Senator Farooq H Naek also observed that no rule was violated and it was the prerogative of the Chairman. He said that Palwasha Khan could preside over the session.

Maulana Atta ur Rehman of JUI-F said that the Chairman announced the panel of presiding officers for the session as per the rules, but any presiding officer could not chair the session in the presence of Chairman and Deputy Chairman.

Gillani for formation of Senate Standing Committees

By
NNPS Desk
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0
Chairman Senate

ISLAMABAD, Jun 07 (APP): Chairman Senate Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Friday directed that the issue regarding the formation of Senate Standing Committees would be resolved immediately to ensure the committees can play their roles effectively.

He was chairing the House Business Advisory Committee (HBAC) which discussed in detail the legislative business to be transacted during the 339th Session of the Senate.

Moreover, the session will address other important issues. The HBAC decided that the current session would continue until June 21, 2024.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Chairman Senate Senator Syedal Khan, Leader of the Opposition Syed Shibli Faraz, 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 and Justice Muhammad Azam Nazir Tarar and Secretary Senate Syed Hasnain Haider.

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