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Eight terrorists killed, five apprehended in two separate operations in KP

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RAWALPINDI, Sep 21 (APP): The security forces on Thursday killed eight terrorists and apprehended five others including their facilitators in separate intelligence-based operations conducted in two districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said an intense fire exchange took place between the Army troops and terrorists during the conduct of the first operation in general area Jani Khel of Bannu District.
As many as six terrorists were sent to hell while five were apprehended during the operation. These terrorists were involved in numerous terrorist activities against the security forces, including the facilitation of the Motorcycle Borne Suicide attack on a military convoy at Jani Khel on August 31, in which nine brave sons of the soil laid their lives, it said.

In another operation in general area Datta Khel, North Waziristan District, two terrorists were sent to hell in a fierce encounter between the security forces and terrorists.
However, weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed terrorists, whereas sanitization of the surrounding areas was being carried out to neutralize any other terrorists found in the area.

The ISPR said that the locals of the area appreciated the operation, whereas the security forces of the country remained determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism.

Election date announcement a positive development: Solangi

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ISLAMABAD, Sep 21 (APP): Caretaker Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi said on Thursday that announcement of the election date by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was a positive development.

Addressing a news conference, he welcomed the announcement on behalf of the caretaker government. It was a moment of delight that the election would be held in line with the law and the Constitution.

Flanked by Caretaker Federal Minister for Privatization Fawad Hassan Fawad, he said it was a day of despair for rumour-mongers as the ECP made the announcement regarding general elections which would be held in the last week of January 2024.

The ECP had said that all the groundwork would be completed by November 30 and political parties would be given 54 days for the election campaign in line with the Election Act 2017, he added.

Murtaza Solangi said the country would be run by elected representatives of the people which would bring political and economic stability.

American Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome interacting with Students and Faculty Members during his visit to Karakoram International University

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American Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome interacting with Students and Faculty Members during his visit to Karakoram International University
APP36-210923 GILGIT: September 21 - American Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome interacting with Students and Faculty Members during his visit to Karakoram International University. APP/AHS/TZD/ZID
American Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome interacting with Students and Faculty Members during his visit to Karakoram International University
APP36-210923
GILGIT: September 21 – .American Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome interacting with Students and Faculty Members during his visit to Karakoram International University

APP37-210923
GILGIT: September 21 – American Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome interacting with Students and Faculty Members during his visit to Karakoram International University. APP/AHS/TZD/ZID

American Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome interacting with Students and Faculty Members during his visit to Karakoram International University
APP38-210923
GILGIT: September 21 – VC Karakoram International University Dr-Attaullah Shah and American Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome in a group photo during his visit to Karakoram International University. APP/AHS/TZD/ZID

Female visitors taking interest in displayed stuff during Rural Youth Summit 2023 Digital Solution for Rural Youth

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Female visitors taking interest in displayed stuff during Rural Youth Summit 2023 Digital Solution for Rural Youth
APP33-210923 PESHAWAR: September 21 - Female visitors taking interest in displayed stuff during Rural Youth Summit 2023 Digital Solution for Rural Youth. APP/SYR/TZD/ZID
Female visitors taking interest in displayed stuff during Rural Youth Summit 2023 Digital Solution for Rural Youth
APP33-210923
PESHAWAR: September 21
Female visitors taking interest in displayed stuff during Rural Youth Summit 2023 Digital Solution for Rural Youth
APP34-210923
PESHAWAR: September 21 – Female visitors taking interest in displayed stuff during Rural Youth Summit 2023 Digital Solution for Rural Youth. APP/SYR/TZD/ZID
Female visitors taking interest in displayed stuff during Rural Youth Summit 2023 Digital Solution for Rural Youth
APP35-210923
PESHAWAR: September 21 – A child is engaged in digital drawing with his mother at the Rural Youth Summit 2023, where digital solutions for rural youth are being explored. APP/SYR/TZD/ZID

Mehfil-e-Milad held at GCWUF

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Mehfil-e-Milad
FAISALABAD, Sep 21 (APP):In connection with Jashn-e-Eid Miladun-Nabi, a mehfil-e-milad was held at the Government College Women University Faisalabad (GCWUF), here on Thursday.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Zill-e-Huma Nazli presided over the ceremony while Special Advisor to PM for Human Rights and Women Empowerment Mushaal Hussein Mullick and Commissioner Silwat Saeed were among guests of honour.
Members of the Women Chamber of Commerce, faculty, teachers and a large number of students were also present.
Mushaal Mullick strongly condemned the killing of Sikh leaders in Canada and barbarism of Indian forces against innocent Muslims. She urged the human rights organisations to take notice of the Indian atrocities and appropriate measures to control such barbarism. She also lauded the Canadian PM for exposing the cruel face of India at international level.
Earlier, Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Zill-e-Huma Nazli said that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) saved the entire humanity from darkness by showing them the right path. She said: “Uswa-e-Hasna of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) is a beacon of light for all of us and unmatched in the entire human history.”
Later, ‘dua’ was offered for the country’s sovereignty.

Caretaker govt empowered under law to expedite privatization process: Fawad

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Fawad Hassan Fawad

ISLAMABAD, Sep 21 (APP): Caretaker Minister for Privatization Fawad Hassan Fawad, out rightly rejecting any special agenda, said on Thursday that the caretaker government was fully empowered under law to expedite the process for privatization of loss-making state-owned enterprises (SOEs), initiated way back in 2001-02.

Addressing a news conference along with Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi, he clarified that no addition was made to the privatization list, which was updated by the last successive elected governments.

He said the previous elected government had made necessary amendments in the relevant law empowering the caretakers to carry forward the privatization process.

Fawad reaffirmed that whatever authority the caretaker government was exercising, was within the ambit of law, as it was only completing the privatization process of SOEs, which was initiated by the last government but their transactions were not yet finalized.

The minister said that a time-frame was duly fixed to carry out the privatization of each loss-making entity that could not be skipped. He, however, dispelled the impression that he had been given a special task to shut down the operations of a certain organization.

He said that the Privatization Commission was taking steps to reduce the losses of certain SOEs, which were a burden on the national exchequer.

Fawad said when he took over the office, it was told that the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) was facing financial crisis and needed funds to fully restore its flight operations, which were provided within 48 hours.

The minister advised certain elements to avoid rumours which adversely affected the financial performance and repute of state-owned enterprises listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange.

PRA assures to highlight business community issues in parliament

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ICCI
ISLAMABAD, Sep 21 (APP):President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari on Thursday said that Pakistan needs business-friendly and long-term economic policies to wriggle out of the current crisis and promote business and investment activities.
He was addressing a luncheon hosted by ICCI in honour of the newly elected Parliamentary Reporters Association (PRA), which was also attended by representatives of the National Press Club and Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists.
Speaking on the occasion, Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari said that parliamentary reporters have an important role in keeping society informed about the activities of Parliament which is commendable.
He said that Bangladesh and many other countries have left Pakistan behind by creating business-friendly policies.
Bangladesh is trying to increase pharmaceutical exports in the coming days. Due to high utility tariffs, the cost of doing business has increased manifold, he remarked.
He urged the the government to revise contracts with IPPs because if they are not revised, people will not be able to pay their electricity bills in the coming days.
The people of Pakistan cannot bear the burden of circular debt, which has surged to trillions of rupees. The parliamentary reporters should raise all these issues in the Parliament so that the issues of the business community and the people are addressed, he added.
Usman Khan, President, Parliamentary Reporters Association, thanked ICCI for hosting lunch in their honor and assured that PRA would highlight the issues of the business community through its platform for their redress.
He said that PRA will also raise its voice in Parliament for better protection of the interests of the business community so that they can be facilitated in the growth of business activities.
Zafar Bakhtawari, former President ICCI and Secretary General UBG Pakistan showed concerns over the rising political polarization in the country due to which the economy is also suffering.
He stressed that the media should play a role in promoting unity and end polarization in the nation.
He urged that  businessmen should be encouraged as role models in society as they are playing a vital role in the development of the country.
The business community should be given representation the highest positions of the country to formulate business-friendly policies.
Anwar Raza, President, National Press Club said that Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari is working diligently to solve the issues of the business community and he is a torchbearer for the youth.
He assured that NPC will play a role in creation of an enabling environment for the business community.

BRT opens new Chamkani to Malik Saad route via Ring Road

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PESHAWAR, Sep 21 (APP): Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit System, known as Zu Peshawar, achieved another milestone on Thursday with the inauguration of its new route, DR-4B connecting Chamkani to Malik Saad station via Ring Road.
Special Assistant to the Caretaker Chief Minister, Zafar Ullah Khan attended the inaugural ceremony of the new route as chief guest.
This much awaited addition to the Zu Peshawar network brings the total number of routes to 14, further enhancing the city’s public transportation infrastructure. The inauguration event, held at the BRT Chamkani Station, was attended by Secretary Transport, Ziaul Haq, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) TransPeshawar Dr. Tariq Usman and other officials.
Zafar Ullah Khan emphasized the importance of efficient and accessible public transit in promoting sustainable urban development and improving the lives of the residents of Peshawar.
This route will consist of a total of 19 stops namely Chamkani, Sardar Garhi, Chughal Pura, Government Primary School, Pir Zakori Bridge, Motorway Bridge, Kamboh Adda, Pahari Pura, Kabutar Chowk, MMC Hospital, Wazir Colony, Abasyn University, Patang Chowk, Shaheed Tahseen Chowk, Charsadda Adda, Eidgah, Shahi Bagh, Bacha Khan Chowk and Malik Saad Shaheed.
A spokesperson for TransPeshawar told media that the route would be especially beneficial to the people living on Ring Road, as well as students of the universities in this area. “This route is expected to serve as a vital artery for commuters, connecting these two crucial areas of the city while reducing travel times and congestion on the roads. With the operationalization of this, Zu Peshawar continues to revolutionize the way people move in Peshawar, offering a reliable and eco-friendly transportation alternative”, she told.
She further added, “Zu Peshawar caters to approximately 300,000 passengers daily, making it a lifeline for the city’s residents and commuters. The new route is expected to further enhance the accessibility and convenience of public transportation, contributing to the city’s sustainable growth.”
The inauguration ceremony included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the presentation of souvenirs to key dignitaries. Guests also had the opportunity to visit the Control Centre, gaining insights into the technology and operations that make Zu Peshawar a modern and efficient public transit system.
The addition of DR-4B to the Zu Peshawar network is testament to the commitment of the government and stakeholders to meet the growing transportation needs of Peshawar’s residents. This development reflects the city’s forward-looking approach to urban planning and sustainability.
The citizens of Peshawar had been eagerly awaiting this route, and its opening represents a significant step forward in the TransPeshawar’s efforts to enhance its service.
APP/aqk

Supreme court upholds CCP’s enquiry, information gathering powers

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Supreme Court

ISLAMABAD, Sep 21 (APP): In a historic judgment, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has unanimously upheld the statutory powers of the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP). The powers relate to gathering of information and conducting of enquiries.

A three-member bench comprising former Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, and Justice Ayesha A. Malik passed the judgement, said a press release issued here.

The Supreme Court declared that there is no restriction on CCP’s general regulatory powers to call for information under Section 36 of the Competition Act, 2010.

It has also stated a clear obligation on undertakings to fully comply with CCP’s directives for the provision of information.
The apex court has further declared that CCP is not obligated to provide detailed reasoning before commencing an enquiry.
The court stated that initiation of an enquiry under Section 37 of the Act is not an adverse action. It is merely a fact-finding exercise distinct from show cause proceedings under Section 30 of the Act.

In 2020, CCP inquired about cooking oil and ghee companies for information about ghee and cooking oil prices. Dalda Foods was the sole entity to challenge in the Islamabad High Court.

Dalda asserted that CCP did not possess sufficient grounds to justify the enquiry or the call for information. The Islamabad High Court had set aside CCP’s call for information letters and the initiation of enquiry. The high court had imposed extraordinary requirements on the exercise of CCP’s regulatory and enquiry powers. CCP had Challenged the decision of the High Court before the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

While allowing the CCP’s appeal the Supreme Court has set aside these requirements, which included the requirement to provide detailed reasoning to an undertaking when initiating an enquiry and to pass a reasoned order in this regard. Hence the stance and actions of the CCP were upheld in the historic and landmark judgement of the Supreme Court.

Increased surveillance & enforcement underway in rural areas to combat dengue

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dengue
ISLAMABAD, Sep 21 (APP):In an effort to combat the spread of dengue fever in rural Islamabad, the Assistant Commissioner Rural, on the directions of the Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon, visited various areas of the Rural Sub-Division.
 Assistant Commissioner Rural conducted inspections of garbage bins, tyre shops, service stations, and construction sites, ICT Spokesman said on Thursday.
Accompanied by dengue monitoring teams, the Assistant Commissioner Rural identified and issued warnings to several violators of dengue prevention guidelines. In two cases, however, the violations were so egregious that the Assistant Commissioner ordered the arrest of the perpetrators, who were subsequently transferred to the police station.
The heightened surveillance and enforcement measures in rural Islamabad reflect the growing concern among health officials about the potential for a dengue outbreak in this region. Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection that can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches, and rash. In severe cases, dengue can lead to hospitalization and even death.
While dengue is most commonly associated with urban areas, there is increasing evidence of its presence in rural areas as well.
This is due in part to factors such as climate change, which is expanding the range of mosquitoes capable of transmitting dengue.
The public is urged to cooperate with dengue prevention efforts by taking steps such as eliminating standing water around their homes and businesses, using mosquito repellent, and wearing protective clothing.