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Saudi Electricity Company ready for Hajj season 1445 AH

By
Ali Ali
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 10 (APP):Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has said the electrical grid in Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites are ready for Hajj season 1445 AH, following the execution of 20 new projects with a total investment exceeding SAR700 million.
 The projects entailed the establishment of new transmission and distribution networks, integration in the general grid, and the automation of distribution networks at the holy sites. The control center at the holy sites has been connected with optical fibers by Dawiyat Integrated Telecommunications & Information Technology Company, a subsidiary of SEC, according to a SEC press release issued.
 SEC Western Sector Executive Director of Distribution and Customer Services and General Supervisor of Hajj operations Eng. Abdul Salam Al-Amari said that this year’s operational plan is being implemented under the supervision of the Ministry of Energy, with direct support from Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, and in coordination with the energy and all other entities concerned with Hajj affairs.
Emphasizing the company’s commitment to ensuring the comfort and peace of mind of pilgrims during Hajj season, Al-Amari highlighted SEC’s operational plan for the season, which works to maintain the provision of reliable electricity services through new power grid enhancement projects, automating distribution networks at the holy sites, and increasing and redistributing response centers to reduce response times to customer requests and emergencies.
According to Al-Amari, SEC’s preparations for this year’s Hajj began early, in the first week after the end of last year’s Hajj, and entailed several stages. The process included studying and analyzing performance indicators and lessons learned, to continuously improve the quality and effectiveness of services provided to pilgrims. As a result, the company approved and commenced the implementation of numerous projects.
SEC also conducted two comprehensive tests to simulate the actual loads during Hajj season, to ensure the readiness and reliability of the electrical grid.
The operational plan also focuses on strengthening SEC’s presence in Makkah and Madinah through 103 launch centers distributed across the holy sites, central areas, and areas housing pilgrims, operating round the clock. These centers have been reinforced with 2,673 highly qualified national engineers, technicians, and specialists.
These teams are accompanied by emergency and maintenance crews servicing generation stations and transmission lines using geographic information and field team management systems to enhance their responsiveness and effectiveness.

PFL delegation discusses  investment, launch event with British HC

By
Ali Ali
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 10 (APP):A Pakistan Football League (PFL) delegation has met with British High Commissioner (HC), Jane Marriott and discussed the vibrant inauguration of the PFL in Lahore on June 4 and the potential for significant investment in Pakistan.
The HC met with the players and expressed her pleasure, noting that the investment from the United Kingdom was a positive sign for promoting healthy activities among Pakistani youth, said a press release issued here.
The delegation that met the British High Commissioner comprised of PFL Chairman Farhan Junejo, celebrity former footballers Michael Owen, Emile Hessky, Alison Bender and Mike Fernan and others.
She explained that this initiative would play a vital role in the development of children and football in Pakistan and offered her full support to make it success.
The high commissioner also praised the organizers and promoters of Pakistan Football League.
PFL Chairman, Farhan Junejo , UK Holdings and organiser of PFL said that Portugal’s national football club SL Benfica has announced partnership with the Pakistan Football League (PFL) Pearl Project to develop professional football and boost the sports economy in Pakistan.
SL Benfica, as the official partner of PFL, a pioneering initiative to develop professional football in Pakistan and stimulate the country’s football economy, will impart technical expertise to coaches and players, significantly advancing football in the region. With support from government officials, this initiative aims to inspire a new generation of footballers and fans in the region.
She was briefed on how the UK business initiative was supporting Pakistan and its children, along with the investments being made in the country.
Farhan Junejo remarked that Pakistan had warmly embraced the football professionals, demonstrating the potential of football and the global interest in Pakistani football.
The league’s first professional kick-off would significantly impact the lives of many young aspiring children by distributing 100,000 footballs across Pakistan,
“I am to ensure that every child who wants to play football has a ball”, he added.
The PFL aims to be the driving force in nurturing the next generation of future football stars. Deals have been signed with a club in Portugal to send 100 children to Lisbon each year to train with top professionals. The vision is for Pakistani youth to travel abroad safely and comfortably, rather than through dangerous routes.
Farhan Junejo mentioned that football professionals visited several cities in Pakistan and held discussions with senior military and political leaders about promoting football in the country.

Smart robot service launched in Madinah to assist pilgrims

By
Ali Ali
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jun 10 (APP):A smart robot service has been launched in Madinah to assist pilgrims visiting the Prophet’s Mosque.
The robot, a project from the Ministry of Health branch in Madinah province, is positioned in the courtyard next to the Prophet’s Mosque.
The service aims to display and broadcast educational messages, guidance, and health instructions for the safety and awareness of pilgrims in over 96 languages from around the world.
Meanwhile, the volunteer and awareness teams of the Health Ministry branch of Madinah continue their fieldwork with 220 male and female volunteers and over 12 teams working around the clock to serve the guests of Allah.
They provide health and emergency services during the Hajj season at the Prophet’s Mosque and its access roads, Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, and Haramain Train Station, as well as the mosques of Quba, Khandaq, Sayyid Al-Shuhada, and Miqat Dhul-Hulaifah.

Deputy PM Dar to participate in high-level conference on Gaza in Jordan

By
Irfan Khan
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0

ISLAMABAD, Jun 10 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar will undertake a two-day visit to Jordan on 10-11 June to participate in the high-level conference titled “Call for Action: Urgent Humanitarian Response for Gaza”.

The conference is jointly organized by King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt and Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release on Monday.

“The Conference aims to identify and develop a collective response to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. On the sidelines, the Deputy Prime Minister is likely to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from participating countries,” it was further added.

The spokesperson said that Pakistan’s participation in the Conference underscored its continued commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East and its firm and longstanding support for the Palestinian cause.

 

 

Shehbaz Sharif felicitates Modi on swearing in as Indian prime minister

By
Ishtiaq Rao
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PM shehbaz

ISLAMABAD, Jun 10 (APP):Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday felicitated Narendra Modi as he took the oath of the office of the Prime Minister of India.

“Felicitations to Narendra Modi on taking oath as the Prime Minister of India,” the prime minister wrote on his X timeline.

Modi was sworn in as Indian PM on Sunday for a third term after the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance won the general election with 293 seats – a much lower margin than predicted, contrary to the 234 seats won by the opposition.

In response, Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, for your good wishes”.

Excise police arrest drug smuggler supplying narcotics to students

By
Ali Ali
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0
Excise
PESHAWAR, Jun 10 (APP):In a successful operation, the Excise Police Station Peshawar Region has arrested a drug smuggler involved in supplying narcotics to students in various educational institutions.
The Excise Department’s special team, led by Director Narcotics Control Sofayan Haqani, apprehended the suspect, Hizbullah, a resident of Haji Camp, Peshawar.
The accused was caught with 105 packets (246 grams) of hashish hidden in a secret compartment in the driver’s seat of his rickshaw.
He sold each packet to students for Rs 1,000.
The operation was initiated following instructions from the provincial apex committee, which led to the formation of a special team to monitor suspicious activity around educational institutions.
ETO Narcotics Control, Majeed Khan, disguised himself and conducted a test purchase, confirming the suspect’s involvement in drug trafficking.
The team subsequently raided the rickshaw, arrested Hizbullah, and recovered the hashish packets.
The suspect has been handed over to the Excise Department’s Peshawar Region for further investigation.
This operation is part of the Excise Department’s ongoing efforts to protect young people, particularly students, from the menace of drugs.
The department, along with all stakeholders, is working tirelessly to curb drug trafficking and ensure a drug-free environment in educational institutions.

Five brick kilns sealed for causing pollution

By
Ali Ali
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0
Brick kilns
SARGODHA, Jun 10 (APP):The environment protection department sealed five brick kilns for causing environmental pollution located in various areas of the district, here on Monday.
According to a spokesperson, the raiding teams raided various localities including Melowal,Miani,chak syeda Bala and sealed five brick kilns owned by Shahid Murtaza,Imran,Zafar Hayyat, Muhammad Yar and Muhammad Amir.
Cases were registered against them.

ANF seizes over 262 kg drugs in five operations

By
Ali Ali
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0
ANF - drugs
RAWALPINDI, Jun 10 (APP):Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) while conducting five operations across the country seized over 262 kg drugs and arrested six accused, said an ANF Headquarters spokesman here on Monday.
He informed that 1.2 kg heroin was recovered from the possession of a female passenger going to Bahrain at Islamabad Airport.
1 kg heroin was recovered from a passenger going to Dubai at Karachi Airport while 63.6 kg hashish and 72 kg opium were recovered from two suspects rounded up near Ravi Toll Plaza Lahore.
38.4 kg opium and 33.6 kg hashish were recovered from an accused arrested near Kala Shah Kaku Toll Plaza Sheikhupura.
52.8 kg hashish was recovered from an accused netted near Shahrah Faisal Karachi.
Cases under the Anti-Narcotics Act have been registered against the arrested accused while further investigations are under process.

Minister Salik applauds successful completion of pre-Hajj flight operations

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
Minister Salik
By Rehan Khan
ISLAMABAD, June 10 (APP): Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, announced the successful conclusion of the pre-Hajj flight operations with the departure of the final flight from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia.
The last Saudi Airlines flight, carrying 380 Pakistani pilgrims, marked the end of the month-long operation as it departed from Islamabad to the holy land on Monday.
In his message to all those who contributed to the success of this phase, the minister expressed his satisfaction with the successful completion of the pre-Hajj flight operations.
“This achievement is a testament to the meticulous planning and coordination of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony and other stakeholders,” he stated.
The minister emphasized that the smooth operation was the result of the tireless efforts of the ministry’s staff, who worked diligently to ensure the comfort and safety of the pilgrims.
He also highlighted the various initiatives taken by the ministry to facilitate the pilgrimage, including the introduction of discounted long and short packages.
The minister expressed his gratitude to the pilgrims, the airlines, and the ministry’s staff for their cooperation and dedication in making the pre-Hajj flight operations a success.
He underscored the importance of the Hajj pilgrimage, which is a sacred duty for Muslims worldwide, and pledged to continue working towards ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all pilgrims.
The flights were operated by various airlines, including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Saudi Airlines, SereneAir, and AirSial, to transport pilgrims from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia.

CPEC offers opportunities for both China, Pakistan: Chinese Expert

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
CPEC
BEIJING, Jun 10 (APP) :The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the China Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) offers investment opportunities for Chinese enterprises and infrastructure improvement for Pakistan, said Zhang Jiadong, director of the Center for South Asian Studies at Fudan University in Shanghai, China.
Both China and Pakistan benefit from CPEC a lot. For the Chinese companies, it has been a very good overseas construction project, and for the Pakistani side, provides more sustainable power supply and transportation facilities, he told CGTN.
Zhang Jiadong highlighted that in the past, China and Pakistan have mainly relied on diplomatic relations and the economic cooperation between the two countries is relatively new.
The CPEC has led the economic cooperation to develop into a deep partnership as the two countries have joint investments and cooperation. So, it is very important for the long-term development of China-Pakistan relations, he added.
In response to a question about second phase of CPEC which includes sectors such as innovation, economic development, and regional connectivity, he pointed out that the first phase of the corridor is mainly infrastructure construction.
Under the first phase of CPEC, basic goals have been achieved wherein some projects have been completed ahead of schedule and beyond expectations. Pakistan’s electricity supplies are already sufficient, and in some areas have even surplus electricity.
However, the CPEC only provides a foundation and a basic framework for economic cooperation between China and Pakistan, he said and added, that both countries have identified five corridors for more specific cooperation in various sectors in the future.
For regional connectivity, he said that Pakistan could play a very important role as the country is a bridge between Central Asia, the Middle East, and South Asia and it is also a bridge between different civilizations.
Pakistan can play a very important role in this area but better regional connectivity needs a kind of opening up which is very important for any country’s development, he added.
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