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Visit visa holders not permitted to engage in Hajj rituals: Saudi Ministry

By
NNPS Desk
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MAKKAH, Jun 10 (APP): The Saudi Ministry of Tourism has clarified that visit visas, regardless of their kind or designation, do not permit holders to engage in Hajj rituals in accordance with the Kingdom’s regulations.

The ministry emphasized that the Kingdom’s regulations mandated a fine of SAR 10,000 for all citizens, residents, and visitors who violates the Hajj regulations and instructions without a permit.

“This fine applies to individuals who do not have a Hajj permit and are arrested in Makkah, the central region, the holy sites, the Haramain train station in Rusaifa, security control centers, screening centers, and temporary security control centers,” it added.

Additionally, the ministry, expatriates would be deported to their home country and prohibited from entering the Kingdom within specified timeframes.

It underscored the significance of adhering to the Hajj regulations and instructions to ensure that pilgrims can perform their rituals in a secure, comfortable, and tranquil atmosphere.

“In the event of a repeat violation, the security authorities will impose a doubled fine of SAR 10,000 on violators,” the ministry said.

It urged all individuals entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on a visit visa of any kind to review the instructions and adhere to the approved pledges before obtaining a visa. Additionally, they were urged to fully comply with all instructions issued in that regard to prevent any violations of regulations.

Wade reprimanded for breaching ICC code of conduct

By
Waseem Iqbal
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Mathew Wade
ISLAMABAD, Jun 10 (APP):Australia player Matthew Wade has been handed an official reprimand for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during a Group B match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 against England at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Saturday.
Wade was found to have breached Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “showing dissent at an Umpire’s decision during an International Match.”
In addition to this, one demerit point has been added to Wade’s disciplinary record, for whom it was the first offence in a 24-month period, said a press release.
The incident occurred in the 18th over of Australia’s innings. Wade played a delivery from leg-spinner Adil Rashid back to the bowler but expected it to be called a ‘dead ball’ by the umpire. When it wasn’t, Wade then argued with the umpires over the decision.
Wade admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Andy Pycroft of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, so there was no need for a formal hearing.
On-field umpires Nitin Menon and Joel Wilson, third umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Jayaraman Madangopal levelled the charge.
Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.

IUB alumnus congratulated on being part of Pak-China joint satellite venture

By
Waseem Iqbal
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IUB
BAHAWALPUR, Jun 10 (APP):The Islamia University of Bahawalpur has been providing prominent services at the national and international level in Pakistan’s research, education, and development.
A former student of the Faculty of Engineering at the Islamia University of Bahawalpur Hafiz Muhammad Azhar Ali Bashir has played a prominent role in the Pakistan-China joint satellite cooperation program. Hafiz Muhammad Azhar was a key member of the joint design and development team for the PakSat-MM1 satellite.
He served as Load Engineer and Test Engineer successfully. He was responsible for ensuring the success of the performance of the satellite system during various technical stages in the Chinese space agency. He actively participated in the assembly, integration, and testing phase of the PakSat-MM1 satellite in China and participated in the in-orbit testing phase.
Pakistan’s space agency, SUPARCO, launched the Pak-China MM1 communication satellite into space on 30 May 2024.
Equipped with the latest communication technology, this satellite will provide high-speed satellite Internet services to 30 to 35 percent of the Earth’s surface. It will increase communication capacity in neighboring countries, across Asia, Europe and parts of Africa and provide high-speed internet to remote areas of Pakistan.
The development is expected to be a game-changer in Pakistan’s satellite internet market. It will benefit various sectors including the military, telecommunications, weather forecasting, oil and gas, NGOs and UN offices.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Naveed Akhtar, Dean Faculty of Engineering Prof. Dr. Muhammad Amjad, Dean Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Prof. Dr. Saeed Ahmed, Director Alumni Dr. Shahid Mehmood and faculty members congratulated the Hafiz Muhammad Azhar Ali Bashir for this most important national service and bringing the name of the university to light.

9 new private member bills introduced in Senate

By
Waseem Iqbal
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ISLAMABAD, Jun 10 (APP):As many as nine new private member bills are introduced in the upper house of the Parliament on Monday.
The bills were included the Pakistan Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (Amendment of section 377 of PPC), the Islamabad Nature Conservation and Wildlife Management Bill, 2024, the Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the ICT Rights of Persons with Disability (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2024] (Insertion of sections 344B, 344C, 344D and 344E in Cr.PC, the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (Amendment of Articles 1,51,59,106,154,175A,198 and 218 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan), the Muslim Family Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Islamabad Capital Territory Private Educational Institutions (Registration and Regulation) (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
The bills were moved by Senators Samina Mumtaz Zehri, Palwasha Muhammad Zai Khan, Dr Zarqa Suharwardy Taimur, Fawzia Arshad and Aon Abbas in the House.
Chairman Senate Syed Yusaf Raza Gillani referred all the bills to the concern standing committees for detail deliberation after not opposing by the Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar.
Regarding, constitutional amendment bill of Aon Abbas, the chairman clarified that the Senate had passed the constitutional bill seeking to curve South Punjab province with two-third majority and referred it to the National Assembly.
However, their party had no majority in the National Assembly and it could not be passed in 2012, he said.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said that the issue was being politicized today. Despite remaining in governments in Punjab and Centre for three and half year, Pakistan Tehreek -e-Insaf (PTI) did nothing in this regard and now was making point scoring on this issue, he said.

First Mango, Handicrafts Expo concludes in Matiari

By
Habib Hanif
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HYDERABAD, Jun 10 (APP):The first mango and handicrafts expo organized by District Administration Matiari successfully concluded. 
Commissioner Hyderabad Division Ahsan Ali Qureshi, was the chief guest of the closing ceremony. 
Commissioner Qureshi visited various stalls showcasing mangoes, handicrafts, and animal exhibits, expressing admiration for the efforts of farmers and artisans. 
On this occasion, Deputy Commissioner Matiari Muhammad Yousuf Shaikh, SSP Syed Asghar Ali Shah, Additional Deputy Commissioner Noor Ahmed Khahro, CEO of Sindh Enterprise Development Fund Khizar Parwez, District Officer Education Amir Bux Sahito, Additional Director Agriculture Zameer Surhyo, Additional Director Social Welfare Rafiq Ahmad Jamali, Deputy Director Livestock Dr Riaz Laghari and other officials were also present.
Commissioner Hyderabad Ahsan Ali Qureshi congratulated the district administration on the successful event, expressing his delight at witnessing the variety of mango and handicraft stalls as well as children’s scientific models. 
He emphasized the importance of organizing such events across the entire division. Deputy Commissioner Yousuf Shaikh highlighted that the success of the expo was a result of the relentless efforts of officers from various departments including Revenue, Agriculture, Livestock, Social Welfare, Police, and Education. He expressed pride in hosting the expo in the district with a corporate sector approach.
During the ceremony, commemorative shields and certificates were awarded to the best-performing farmers, media representatives officers, and staff from various district departments. 
Meanwhile, notable recipients of awards for showcasing the best varieties of mangoes and the finest handicraft stalls included Mir Ali Akbar Talpur, Haji Adil Abrejo, Shafi Muhammad Dahri, Syed Nadeem Shah, Haji Nooruddin Memon, Taj Muhammad Sangrasi, Syed Sajjad Ali Shah, Mushtaq Jamali and Malik Farooq Ahmed among others.

AJK govt beefs up security measures ahead of Eid ul Azha

By
Waseem Iqbal
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security measures
AJK-Mirpur, Jun 10 (APP):The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government has beefed up security across the region including Mirpur district to ensure a peaceful Eid ul Azha celebration.
According to official sources, extra police force were deployed at busy sites, markets and shopping malls to maintain law and order. Magistrates lead the security teams and police are on high alert with intensified patrols.
They confirmed the measures, emphasizing the region’s tradition of harmony and peaceful coexistence.

Committee emphasizes implementation for anti-rape act

By
Waseem Iqbal
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Senator Ayesha Raza
ISLAMABAD, Jun 10 (APP):A special committee on anti-rape on Monday emphasized the need for implementing anti-rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, 2021 and collaborative efforts of the institutions in combating sexual violence.
Chairperson of the Special Committee, Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq presided over a pivotal meeting to review the Implementation of the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, 2021 and discuss the development of the National Sex Offenders Register (SOR), said a press release.
The Special Committee reviewed data from Police, Prosecution, Courts and Home departments all across Pakistan and key actions were identified for improving investigations and prosecutions of sex offences.
The chairperson of the Anti-Rape special committee emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in combating sexual violence, stating, “Ensuring justice for survivors of sexual violence is our top priority.
The Special Committee is working closely with Federal and Provincial Agencies in order to improve compliance with Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, 2021 to ensure that both resources and processes are in place to support vulnerable victims.”
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Law and Justice, Provincial Home Departments, Provincial Law Enforcement Agencies, Civil Society Organisations, NADRA and the National Police Bureau.
Their collective participation highlights the integrated approach necessary to tackle the pervasive issue of sexual violence effectively.
Key actions were identified for ensuring rigorous investigations and swift trials under the Act, reinforcing the government’s resolve to uphold the rights and dignity of survivors.
Primary focus will be placed on improving investigations by maximizing the number of cases referred to designated Anti-Rape Crisis Cell (ARCC) and Special Sexual Offenses Investigation Units (SSOIUs) and improving the timelines for deciding cases to ensure swift justice is delivered to survivors of sex offences.
The periodic review process will also be utilized to track convictions of sex offenders from across Pakistan being added to the Sex Offenders Register, which is a valuable tool for safeguarding communities by assisting in investigation and prosecution of sex offences and deterring potential offenders.
 Jawwad Raza Sultan, the focal person and member Special Committee and Section Officer of the Anti Rape Cell at the Ministry of Law and Justice, presented data to the Special Committee on the compliance with the Anti Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, 2021.
The information was gathered from Anti Rape Crisis Cells, Prosecutor Generals, Special Sexual Offenses Investigation Units (SSOIUs), and Special Courts throughout Pakistan.
He also informed the committee about the weaknesses in the system/processes and suggested ways to address them effectively.
Furthermore, he briefed the Special Committee on key priority actions needed to ensure proper and comprehensive performance management of the nationwide compliance with the mandate of Act, as enunciated by Section 15 of the Anti Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, 2021. The Special Committee unanimously agreed with its conclusions and the way forward suggested.

MCL closes down 10 unauthorized cattle sales points

By
Waseem Iqbal
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0
LAHORE, Jun 10 (APP):In an ongoing crackdown against illegal cattle markets, Metropolitan Corporation Lahore (MCL) has shut down 10 unauthorized sale points in the provincial capital.
MCL Administrator and Deputy Commissioner Rafia Haider told media on Monday that a comprehensive operation has been initiated against illegal cattle markets in all nine administrative zones of Lahore.
During the move, eight cattle sale points were closed down in Data Ganj Buksh zone and two points were shutdown in Ravi zone. FIRs were also registered against four individuals for resistance.
The DC said that illegal cattle markets severely disrupt traffic flow on the roads, adding that the sale and purchase of animals is prohibited outside the designated cattle markets. She warned of strict legal action in case of violations of the given guidelines. The operation against illegal cattle markets will continue in the city, the DC added.

Balochistan CM calls on KP Governor

By
Habib Hanif
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0
PESHAWAR, Jun 10 (APP):Balochistan Chief Minister, Mir Sarfaraz Bugti Monday called on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor, Faisal  Karim Kundi and discussed matters of mutual interest.
The governor highly lauded the people welfare efforts of the chief minister in the province, said a statement issued by Governor House.
Sarfaraz Bugti invited the governor to visit Balochistan during a meeting held in the federal capital. 
The governor while accepting the invitation assured to visit Balochistan soon.
He said that Pakistan People Party government would come up to the expectations of people of Balochistan.
Chief Minister Bugti said that his Government was working for improvement of good governance, health and education sectors in the province.
As per the vision of President Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman Pakistan People Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the chief minister reaffirmed his government strong commitment to put Balochistan on road to progress and prosperity.

Arrangements for 3-day Shandur Polo Festival reviewed

By
Waseem Iqbal
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0
Shandur Polo Festival
PESHAWAR, Jun 10 (APP):A high-level meeting on Monday discussed the arrangements for the upcoming three-day annual Shandur Polo Festival to attract more tourists to the spectacular event to be held on June 28.
Advisor to the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Tourism and Culture Zahid Chanzeb chaired the meeting. Secretary Tourism Mohammad Bakhtiar Khan, Director General Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) Barkatullah Marwat and officials concerned attended the meeting. Besides, Commissioner Malakand Division and Deputy Commissioners of Chitral Upper and Lower and Dir upper, Additional Chief Secretary of Gilgit-Baltistan, local administrative officers and Sports Officials participated online.
The Shandur Polo Festival will begin on June 28 that will be attended by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur as the chief guest. During the festival, polo teams from Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan will participate on this 12,000-ft high Polo Ground, the highest in the world. In addition to the representation of the federal government of both provinces, foreign tourists are also expected to participate in this grand sports gala.
After reviewing various aspects of arrangements as well as suggestions and recommendations put forth by the participants, necessary decisions were taken to finalize the foolproof arrangements in this regard.
Zahid Chanzeb clarified that the KP government is paying special attention to the development of the tourism sector and the successful holding of Shandur Polo Festival would be a test case not only for the tourism department but also for the entire provincial government and administrative machinery of the government.
The CM aide said that before the launch of this extravaganza, the clearance of all the relevant highways, security, availability of quality food items and fuel in sufficient quantity at the petrol pumps is the foremost duty of the concerned authorities and institutions. Not a single incident of negligence would be tolerated in this respect, he cautioned.
He also directed the concerned deputy commissioners to hold separate meetings with the players of the teams participating in the polo tournament and the locals and elite to take them into confidence to make the festival a success story in all respects. He also instructed the players to put the best logos on the shirts so that tourism and culture branding flourished in the province.
“The increase in domestic and foreign tourists, the province’s income, especially foreign exchange, is expected to continuously increase,” he asserted.
In the same way, he said, potable water, washroom facilities and good sanitary arrangements are also indispensable in all the vicinity of the festival.
On this occasion, the officials assured the Tourism Advisor to work round the clock with all their abilities for the success of the Shandur Polo Festival and clarified that they will not disappoint the provincial government at any stage because the development of tourism will help the province prosper and flourish economically.
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