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Cotton Management Monitoring Committee met to review cotton crop

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Cotton
BAHAWALPUR, Jun 11 (APP):A Cotton Management Monitoring Committee meeting was held at the DC Office Committee Room under the chairmanship of Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue Ameer Taimur.
The meeting reviewed the cultivation of cotton crops, care of crops, canal water, fertilizer supply, pest scouting, livestock, construction of drainage under water management, and ongoing schemes of the Agricultural Engineering Department.
 The Additional Deputy Commissioner of Revenue said that effective measures should be taken to cultivate cotton crops across the district in line with the instructions of the Chief Minister Punjab.
He said that landowners and farmers should be made aware of modern agricultural technology and officers and staff of the Department of Agriculture Extension should go to the field and provide awareness to landowners and farmers for the cultivation of cotton and obtaining better production.
 He said that measures should be taken to provide canal water up to the tail. The Additional Deputy Commissioner of Revenue said that steps should be taken to provide fertilizer and spray for cotton to the landowners and farmers. Earlier, Deputy Director Agriculture Extension Hafiz Muhammad Shafiq briefed that a target of cultivating cotton on over 613,000 acres has been set in Bahawalpur District and cotton has already been cultivated on over 573,000 acres.
 He said that farmers are being made aware of modern agricultural factors. He said that legal action is being taken against those involved in adulteration of fertilizers and pesticides. Deputy Director Livestock Dr. Mujahid Abbas said that livestock staff is deployed at sacrificial animal sale points on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. He said that vaccination of animals is underway. Representatives of fertilizer, seed and agricultural medicine businesses were present, along with representatives of landowners and farmers, Assistant Directors of Agriculture Extension from across the district, and officers from other relevant departments, including Chairman Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association Chaudhry Waheed Arshad, Chairman Kisan Board Jam Hazoor Bakhsh, President Kisan Board Malik Mustafa Chanar, President Anjuman Kashtakaran Chaudhry Rahman Ahmad, President Kisan Ittehad Asghar Mayo.

Chief Minister expresses sorrow over tragic Bisham road accident

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Gandapur
PESHAWAR, Jun 11 (APP): Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur, has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the tragic road accident in Bisham, Shangla District, which claimed the lives of six family members.
In a statement, he extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, praying for the departed souls to rest in peace and for the family to have the strength to bear this irreparable loss. He assured the grieving family of his full support during this difficult time.
At least six persons were killed, and three others sustained injuries when a jeep plunged into a deep ravine in the Bisham area of Shangla.

Saudi Electricity Company unveils details of its major investments, projects for Hajj 1445 AH

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Saudi Electricity Company
ISLAMABAD, Jun 11 (APP): The Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) has issued a press release informing of its important projects and investments in Makkah, Madinah, and other holy sites for the 1445 AH Hajj season, which aim to improve the electricity network and provide a stable and reliable power supply for pilgrims and residents, boost the quality of service and ensure the comfort of pilgrims during Hajj.
One of the main projects  is automating the distribution networks at the holy sites by linking smart stations to the fiber-optic network.
This project costs SAR200 million and involves extensive groundwork and concrete closures, covering distances of 335 km and 312 km, respectively.
Over 2,400 stations have been connected to the fiber-optic network, boosting the efficiency and sustainability of the electrical network in densely populated areas, and reducing emergency response times to fractions of a second. This ensures a seamless experience for pilgrims, stakeholders, and all other beneficiaries.
Another important project involves expanding the electrical networks, improving existing stations, and integrating mobile stations into the current network. Furthermore, a gantry station was launched on May 1, 2024, at a cost of over SAR2 million.
It connects the aerial transport network with the ground network and aims to connect the 380 kV mobile station to the network. The goal is to enhance the stability of the electrical network and ensure efficient energy delivery to key areas at the holy sites.
SEC has also connected 110 kV mobile stations with an investment of SAR60 million.
Operational since May 31, 2024, this project covers a network exceeding 4 km, with a total station capacity of 147 MVA, improving power distribution and meeting the increased demand during Hajj, thus preventing outages that could affect the comfort and safety of pilgrims.
According to the release, further investments include projects, worth over SAR166 million, for subscriber connections in the central area of Makkah and the holy sites.
Projects to enhance medium- and low-voltage networks cost more than SAR36 million, while network replacement and the automation of distribution stations in these areas cost SAR46 million.
Additionally, a project to connect subscribers in pilgrim housing areas, costing over SAR6 million, has been implemented, along with several specialized distribution projects to improve electricity distribution, ensuring a stable and reliable service for pilgrims.
Regarding facility development at the holy sites, SEC has set up 22 launch centers in Arafat, at a total cost of over SAR25 million. Six launch centers in Mina and Muzdalifah have also been established, costing more than SAR9 million. These centers ensure prompt and efficient response from technical teams to address any issues that may arise. Additionally, a building adjacent to the operations and control center, costing over SAR18 million, and eight buildings for stationed staff accommodation at transformer stations, costing more than SAR8 million, have been constructed.
In Madinah, projects include enhancing medium-voltage networks in the central area for SAR14 million; they extend over 22 km and include three stations. Low-voltage network improvements, costing SAR21 million, have added 35 km of new networks with a total capacity of 56 MVA across 20 stations. These projects will strengthen the electrical infrastructure and provide reliable service for residents and visitors in Madinah.
“These initiatives are part of SEC’s ongoing national efforts to develop and improve electrical infrastructure at the holy sites, which experience high density during the Hajj season. The goal is to provide sustainable and efficient electrical services to ensure the comfort and safety of pilgrims and visitors while enriching their overall experience,” the release read.

Eliminating child labour key to ensure bright future of children: NA speaker

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ISLAMABAD, Jun 11 (APP):Speaker of National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Tuesday said that eliminating child labour is a key to ensure the bright future of children.
 “Children are the future of this country and no one can be allowed to deprive them of their potential, dignity and rights. Parliament of Pakistan is committed to eradicate child labour “the speaker said in a message on ‘World Day Against Child Labour’.
The Speaker said that child labour is a serious social challenge and it is hurting the physical, mental and emotional growth of millions of children globally, who are unfortunately involved in the child labour.
He further, emphasized the need for enhanced investment in education, social protection programs, and child protective services said a news release.
He also stressed the importance of raising awareness about the issue and engaging civil society, parents, children, and the larger public to eliminate child labour along with all its forms once and for all.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq commended the efforts of all stakeholders working tirelessly to combat child labour and to promote children’s rights.
He urged all stakeholders to continue their efforts and work in consensus to eradicate child labour.
On this occasion, Deputy Speaker National Assembly Syed Mir Ghulam Mustafa Shah said that child labour is a serious social issue that needs to be addressed urgently.
He emphasized that children should be have an access to quality education and a safe environment, rather than being forced into forced labour.
He also stressed that the government, civil society, and individuals must join hands to eliminate child labour and ensure that every child has access to their fundamental rights.

NADRA deploys teams in union councils

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NADRA
SARGODHA, Jun 11 (APP):For the convenience of citizens, National Database and Registration Authority teams of the regional head office have been deployed in selected union councils on an experimental basis for a week.
A spokesman for the NADRA regional office on Tuesday told APP that teams had been deployed in Dandla union council of Bhakkar district and Peel Padrad union council of Khushab district from June 10 to June 14.
Apart from registration of birth of children in the union council, citizens could avail other NADRA facilities including Computerized National Identity Card, Family Registration Certificate Card, and others. Residents should visit the union council office to get NADRA facilities, he added.

SBP for adoption of Digital Supply Chain Finance solutions by banks

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SBP

KARACHI, Jun 11 (APP): The State Bank of Pakistan, Tuesday, instructed banks to develop and implement digital solutions for supply chain finance within six months to leverage the technology for increasing the SMEs’ access to finance and digitizing retail payments.

In view of the critical importance of Digital Supply Chain Finance (DSCF), the central bank’s SME, Housing and Sustainable Finance Department, through a circular, instructed banks to develop and build their capacity in the DSCF and take measures for promoting DSCF on priority.

The circular requires banks to establish effective Supply Chain Finance (SCF) function having suitably trained HR and systems to develop and offer digital SCF products to the SMEs, said a statement issued here.

The banks have been advised to either develop their own digital solutions for SCF or partner with any Fintech or service providers for providing digital SCF.

The SBP hoped that DSCF solutions would not only increase access of SMEs to finance but also improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen risk management practices.

In order to ensure implementation on the directives within the given time frame of six months, the SBP further instructed banks to develop a strategy for building the bank’s capacity in SCF and DSCF and share the same with the banking regulator within 3 months of issuance of the circular.

Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs ensures inclusive services for people with disabilities in Madinah mosques

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ISLAMABAD, Jun 11 (APP):Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance branch in Madinah has implemented a range of service and support initiatives catering to worshippers and pilgrims with disabilities to facilitate their access and movement through dedicated corridors and entrances in mosques and other visited locations.
Adjustments have been made to accommodate carts, wheelchairs, and other mobility aids in these spaces, the SPA reported.
To further address their needs, restrooms have been equipped with appropriate facilities, and in some mosques, elevators have been installed.
These comprehensive services reflect the ministry’s ongoing commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities, and creating a comfortable and inclusive environment that enables them to perform religious rituals with ease and tranquility.

Pakistan team reaches Tajikistan for FIFA WC qualifier

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ISLAMABAD, Jun 11 (APP): The Pakistan national football team has reached for Tajikistan to play the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers round 2 against the hosts.

Pakistan team had departed for Dushanbe, Tajikistan on a special Pakistan Air Force plane from Nur Khan Air Base.
Pakistan is set to play Tajikistan on Tuesday at 8pm Pakistan time.

Pakistan squad – Goalkeepers: Yousuf Butt (D), Saqib Hanif and Hassan Ali.

Defenders: Abdullah Iqbal (D), Mohammad Fazal (D), Haseeb Khan, Rao Omer Hayat, Mamoon Moosa, Mohammad Saddam, Waqar Ihtisham, Moin Ahmed and Abdul Rehman.

Midfielders: Rahis Nabi (D), Otis Khan (D), Ali Uzair, Umair Ali, Toqeer ul Hassan, Alamgir Ghazi and Ali Zafar.
Forwards: Imran Kayani (D), McKeal Abdulah, Fareedulah, Adeel Younas and Shayak Dost.

PM Shehbaz accorded high-level reception during official visit of China: Lin Jian

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BEIJING, June 11 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was accorded a high-level reception during his five-day official visit of China, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Lin Jian said on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid an official visit to China from June 4 to 8. It was his first visit to China after he took over as prime minister for the second term and the Chinese side gave him high-level reception, he said during his regular briefing in response to question about the PM Shehbaz visit.

President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and Chairman of Standing Committee, National People Congress (NPC) Zhao Leji met and held talks with him respectively, he added.

Lin Jian said that the leaders of the two countries exchanged in-depth views on China-Pakistan relations and issues of common concern, and provided strategic guidance for the development of China-Pakistan relations.

President Xi Jinping stressed that the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership has been continuously deepened, with a solid public opinion foundation, strong endogenous driving force and broad development prospects, he added.

He said that the Chinese side is willing to firmly support Pakistan, tighten the ties of cooperation, deepen strategic coordination, and accelerate the construction of a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era.
During the meeting, PM Shehbaz said that no force can shake the ironclad friendship between China and Pakistan, and Pakistan will unswervingly be China most reliable friend and partner.

Both sides agreed that they will continue to give each other firm support on issues involving their respective core interests and major concerns, he added.

The spokesperson said that the two sides highly appreciated the positive role of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in promoting Pakistan national development and improving the welfare of the Pakistani people.

They are willing to promote the high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road and Pakistan development plan, carry out practical cooperation in various fields in accordance with local conditions, and promote the high-quality joint construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to go deeper and more practical, with the creation of an upgraded version of the CPEC as the center, so as to better help Pakistan economic and social development.

The Pakistani government, he said, once again expressed deep condolences to the Chinese personnel who died in the March 26Dasu terrorist attack, emphasizing that it will resolutely crack down on and severely punish the terrorists involved in the case, and take practical and effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan.

The Pakistani side stated that President Xi Jinping foresight and outstanding leadership have been sincerely admired and highly praised by the people of Pakistan and the world.

President Xi Jinping proposal to jointly build the Belt and Road Initiative and the three major global initiatives with an eye on the well-being of all mankind have provided strategic guidance for promoting world peace, security, development and prosperity. Pakistan highly appreciates and fully supports it, he added.

Lin Jian said that the two sides agreed to continue to strengthen cooperation and coordination within various international multilateral mechanisms, jointly promote an equal and orderly world multi polarization and inclusive economic globalization, and jointly safeguard the common interests of the vast number of developing countries and international fairness and justice.

He highlighted that during the visit, the two sides signed 23 cooperation documents on the CPEC, transportation infrastructure, agriculture, industry, intergovernmental assistance, market supervision, geographic surveying and mapping, media, film and television, etc.

During this visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz also visited Shenzhen, and other cities and spoke highly of the achievements made in China economic and social development and expressed his willingness to strengthen exchanges of experience in governance with China, he added.

More than 4,000 scouts begin field survey of Mina,  Arafat

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Over 3500 Saudi scouts are set to serve pilgrims during 2023 Hajj season
MAKKAH, Jun 11 (APP):The participants in the public service camps held by the Saudi Arabian Boy Scouts Association started surveys in Mina and Arafat camps to collect information regarding pilgrim service companies, hospitality centers, and field service centers, as well as domestic pilgrims’ companies and government agencies in the Mina and Arafat camps.
 The survey helps the scouts guide lost pilgrims, in cooperation with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah employees.
 Camp Chief Scout Nasser Al-Anzi said that more than 4,000 scouts participate in the survey process which takes place in three stages.
The first entails preparing the plan and survey program for the units in the Mina and Arafat areas, which is carried out in the morning and in the evening during the Hajj season, preparing the files of the units and specialists, reviewing field maps and slides, and updating them.
 The second stage entails documenting field information gathered in electronic applications, then evaluating and matching it with the data of government institutions and service companies for foreign and domestic pilgrims.
The third stage involves issuing guidelines, general maps, and slides after verification and review.