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Customs foil smuggling bid of betel nuts worth millions

By
Waseem Iqbal
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Betel
KARACHI, Jun 06 (APP):Pakistan Customs thwarted an attempt to smuggle a large quantity of hazardous betel nuts from two trailers traveling from Balochistan to Karachi.
According to a spokesman for Customs on Thursday, the Anti-Smuggling Organization of Customs Enforcement Collectorate intercepted the two trailers, which were carrying crushed stone and cement, at the Hamdard check post.
Upon a thorough search, Customs officials discovered 8,000 kg of hazardous betel nuts hidden among the cement bags and beneath the crushed stone.
The estimated value of the seized betel nuts is Rs. 25 million.
Customs officials have confiscated the betel nuts and the trailers and have initiated further investigations.

Trans community empowered through mental, psychosocial training

By
Waseem Iqbal
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Handicap International
PESHAWAR, Jun 06 (APP):Mental and psychosocial training helped raise awareness among the trans community of Peshawar of breaking the status quo and learning different skills to opt for a respectful source of livelihood.
Around 20 transgender selected for training expressed their resolve to learn different skills to come out from dependency syndrome of acting in pursuance of the desire of their gurus. The training was conducted by Handicap International, an organisation working for the support of people with disabilities and vulnerable populations, with the collaboration of GIZ.
“We want to perform normal life and for this purpose need support to learn some skills for breaking the status quo,” comments Devia, a trans person and beneficiary of the training. The training has imparted a sense of independence among ourselves and a passion for resolving our problems on our own without depending on someone, Devia expressed her inner feelings.
She said the trans community wanted to find solutions for problems being faced by them but our societal norms and mentality of people does not allow them to come out of routine practices.
Koko, another beneficiary demanded acceptance for their gender by society and respectful response by people. The treatment meted out by people to the trans community has made them mentally ill, forcing them to live in a state of melancholy and dejection, she commented.
Katrina, a trans rights activist, highly commended the initiative taken by Handicap International for steering the transgender community out of a life full of problems, deprivation and disrespect.
She said training has broadened their exposure and confidence in finding out some respectful source of livelihood. The participants of the training are expressing the desire to become fashion designers, get an education and do jobs, Katrina shared.
“This is nine months training and has been launched in six districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” informed Programme Manager Handicap International, Dr Fouzia.
Talking to APP, Dr Fouzia said the initiative will also benefit Afghan transgender who have migrated to Pakistan and living here in different parts of the province.
She said the project implementation period is two years and different programmes will be launched for the benefit of transgender and other segments of vulnerable communities including the victims of devastating floods of 2022. The objective of this training is to change the lifestyle of these communities and make them responsible and respectful citizens.
In this connection, she added, people from different walks of life including religious scholars should also play their effective role of educating people regarding proper behaviour with trans persons.
The training would be expanded soon to other districts of KP including Charsadda, Kohat, Mardan and Haripure, Fouzia informed.

In-laws allegedly kill woman by setting her on fire; IGP takes notice

By
Waseem Iqbal
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MUZAFARGARH, Jun 06 (APP):The in-laws allegedly killed the married woman by setting her ablaze in the jurisdiction of Jatoi police station.
According to a police spokesman, the incident took place last night in Basti Bulaili Mouza Jungle Tehsil Jatoi, in which the in-laws allegedly poured petrol over the married woman, Samina Bibi, and set her on fire after subjecting her to severe torture.
Police have registered a case against the woman’s husband, father-in-law, and three brothers-in-law.
It has been reported that Samina Bibi had been married for two years, and there were frequent disputes in the house.
The victim’s family blamed the in-laws for torturing and burning her to death.
Inspector General of Police Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, has taken notice of the incident and sought a report from the Regional Police Officer (RPO) DG Khan division.
He directed the District Police Officer (DPO) Muzaffargarh to oversee the investigation personally.
“Violence against women is intolerable, and those responsible for setting the woman on fire must be arrested immediately. Police started raids for the arrest of the accused,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, Jatoi police registered a case against the accused on the application of the woman’s brother, namely Wajid Iqbal.
According to initial reports, police had taken the husband of the woman named Asif into custody.
RPO Dera Ghazi Khan, Sajjad Hassan Khan, has taken notice of the incident and sought a report from DPO Muzaffargarh.
He directed that the investigation be conducted on scientific grounds with the assistance of forensic teams, ensuring the collection of all relevant evidence.
“Measures will be taken on a priority basis to provide justice to the victim’s family,” he assured.

Robbers loot pharmacy shop

By
Waseem Iqbal
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0
MULTAN, Jun 06 (APP):Two armed robbers looted pharmacy shop’s owner of more than Rs. 200,000 in limits of Gulghast police station.
Police said the armed outlaws wearing surgical masks entered into the drugs house around 12:00 a.m. last night in the guise of customer.
Later after few minutes, they held the owner and the salemen hands up on gunpoint to loot the money.
They snatched the stated money and succeeded to flee away.
According to the shopkeeper as said by the police the burglars were on CD 70 motorbike and escaped to the direction of Head Mohammad Wala.
Upon calling at 15 by the victim, Gulghast Police along with crime scene unit rushed to the crime location to hold enquiry through collecting the evidences.

Gold rates up Rs 2,400 per tola to Rs 243,000

By
Waseem Iqbal
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0
GOLD
ISLAMABAD, Jun 6 (APP):The per tola price of 24 karat gold increased by Rs 2,400 and was sold at Rs  243,000 on Thursday compared to its sale at Rs 240,600 on the last trading day.
The price of 10 grams of 24 karat gold also increased by Rs 2,057 to Rs 208,333 from Rs  206,276 whereas the price of 10 grams 22 karat gold went up to Rs 190,972 from Rs189,086, All Sindh Sarafa Jewellers Association reported.
The price of per tola and ten gram silver remained constant at Rs2,800 and Rs.2400.54 respectively.
The price of gold in the international market increased by $30 to $2,362 from $2,332, the Association reported.

NIH issues advisory on Cholera

By
Waseem Iqbal
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0
NIH
ISLAMABAD, Jun 06 (APP):National Institute of Health (NIH) has issued an advisory for the prevention and control of Acute Watery Diarrhea (Cholera).
The Center for Diseases Control (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH) Islamabad issued this advisory urging healthcare providers and the public to be vigilant in preventing and controlling the spread of Acute Watery Diarrhea (cholera).
Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine due to bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
Pakistan like other Asian countries is endemic to cholera with cases being reported from different parts of the country.
 Poor personal hygiene and lack of safe drinking water provide more favorable conditions for the pathogen to cause outbreak in the vulnerable areas.
Although the disease may present throughout the year but peak of cases may be observed from May to November, in hot, humid and rainy season.
The NIH emphasized the individual preventive measures including washing hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food.
The NIH also advised to drink only safe water (boiled, chlorinated, or bottled).

Wrote a new chapter of Pak-China cooperation in Shenzhen; will reciprocate model in Pakistan: Dar

By
Ishtiaq Rao
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0

BEIJING, Jun 6 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday said that by holding the Pakistan-China Business Forum in Shenzhen, the government had written a new chapter of bilateral cooperation and in the coming months, the model would be reciprocated by inviting Chinese companies to Pakistan.

The deputy prime minister, in his address at the 4th Pakistan-China Friendship and Business event here, said that the hugely attended Business Forum aimed at tangible, targeted, substantive and result-oriented economic cooperation with a focus on attracting and facilitating Chinese investments in 13 export-oriented sectors inside Pakistan.

He told the gathering that Pakistan’s Ambassador in China Ambassador Khalil Hashmi and his team successfully mobilized over 400 Chinese businesspersons and entrepreneurs who came together to network with around 120 Pakistani counterparts on a scale that was unprecedented.

“I am confident they have started a new journey of win-win partnership and joint cooperation. In the months ahead, we will reciprocate this model further and invite Chinese companies to Pakistan,” the deputy prime minister remarked.

Calling the Friendship and Business event a “cherished tradition” and the “essence of friendship and mutual respect”, Dar said that over the years, the platform had played a pivotal role in bringing together leaders, policymakers, business executives, and entrepreneurs from both countries.

He said the gathering was aimed at engaging to further strengthen our iron-clad and space-partners friendship. It sets the tone for our future interactions, providing a foundation for deeper economic ties and stronger cultural connections, he added.

He said in the local context, the forum served as a testament to China’s dedication to fostering international partnerships. It is a symbol of how traditions and cultural exchanges can be harnessed to promote understanding, peace, prosperity and development.

Dar said that currently, the world was at the cusp of a new era, witnessing profound and fast-paced changes which would, as before, test the resilience of China-Pakistan iron-clad friendship.

“Our partnership has already risen to a strategic level, encompassing economy, trade, social and defence sectors. We wholeheartedly support President Xi’s Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) and Global Security Initiative (GSI). I would like to reaffirm that Pakistan has been, is, and will always be China’s trusted friend and partner,” the deputy prime minister reiterated.

He particularly appreciated the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC); China-Pakistan Friendship Association (CPFA); China International Cultural Communication Centre (CICCC); and all other supporting units – JDB group and Anhua County Yuntiange tea Co., Ltd.

He also lauded Pakistan’s Ambassador Khalil Hashmi and his team and particularly expressed gratitude to Ambassador Sha Zukang for his steadfast and longstanding support to Pakistan.

Two shot dead in Swabi

By
Waseem Iqbal
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0
Dead body
PESHAWAR, Jun 06 (APP):At least two people were killed when unknown armed men fired at them in Kala Kandao area of Swabi district, police informed on Thursday.
Police said two men identified as Ishtiaq and Asim were on their way to market on a motorcycle when they were fired at in Kala Kandao.
The assailants escaped the area after committing the crime while police shifted both bodies to a hospital for post-mortem.
Police said the incident resulted from an old enmity between the two families adding that investigation has been started to arrest the culprits.

PBBF forms committee to oversee KBBA affairs

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 06 (APP):The Pakistan Basketball Federation (PBBF) has announced a three-member committee to oversee the affairs of the Karachi Basketball Association (KBBA).
This step follows the decision taken during the recent General Council meeting held here, where the long overdue elections of KBBA were discussed at length, said a press release.
The newly formed committee includes former basketball players Mahfooz Ul Haq, Ashfaq Ahmed, and  Waseem ur Rehman. These well-regarded individuals have been recognized for their significant contributions to basketball and are expected to bring their wealth of experience to the administration of the KBBA.
The committee’s mandate includes conducting a thorough scrutiny of the clubs associated with the KBBA and organizing elections within the next 90 to 100 days. This move aims to ensure a transparent and fair electoral process, fostering a more organized and efficient basketball framework in Karachi.
The PBBF’s decision to form this committee underscores its commitment to revitalizing basketball at the grassroots level and promoting fair governance within the sport. The basketball community in Karachi and beyond eagerly anticipates the positive changes this committee is expected to bring.
The PBBF urges all stakeholders to cooperate with the committee to facilitate a smooth and effective transition leading up to the KBBA elections.

PESCO identifies power theft by private hospitals, imposes heavy fines

By
Waseem Iqbal
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0
PESCO
PESHAWAR, Jun 06 (APP):The teams of Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) on Thursday identified large-scale electricity theft by four private hospitals in a single day and imposed heavy fines on the administrations.
According to a PESCO spokesman, a tempered meter was seized from the Amin Medical Complex in Buner district. The PESCO team removed the meter and imposed a Rs 300,000 fine on the administration.
Similarly, five tempered meters were caught in Al-Sahat Hospital in district Swat, wherein the teams took immediate action and removed the connections while imposing Rs 600,000.
Sarhad Medical Center in Batkhela was fined due to the pendency of a payment against 13000 units pending.
Sarwar Khan Hospital in Timargara was found guilty of consuming electricity directly from two coils.
The PESCO administration took immediate action on the spot and wrote letters to the concerned police stations for the registration of cases against the owners of all the hospitals.
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