Better relationship between Center-KP govt’s priority; Governor

Sat, 11 May 2024, 7:52 PM

PESHAWAR, May 11 (APP): Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi here on Saturday reiterated to play constructive role for maintaining a good relationship between the central and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments for progress and prosperity of the people.

Talking to media here, the Governor said that he was custodian of the Governor House and would protect it at all cost.

He said that CM Ali Ameen Gandapur was known for his habit of giving provocative statements and questioned that he should tell about a mega project executed during last 10 years in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The Governor said that maintaining law and order was the prime responsibility of Khyber Pakthunkhwa government and questioned that what was made after a judge was kidnapped and customs officials were killed in the CM’s native areas.

The Governor said that he was showing restraint because of holding a constitutional post and he can also use the same indecent language as was used today by Ali Amin Gandapur.

NA Speaker pays tribute to mothers whose sons laid their lives to protect beloved motherland

Zaka Ullah Ch

Sat, 11 May 2024, 7:47 PM

ISLAMABAD, May 11 (APP): Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Saturday said that the nation is indebted to all mothers whose sons were martyred in preserving the dignity and sovereignty of the beloved motherland.

Mother’s love is the energy which enables normal human beings to accomplish impossible feats in their lives, the speaker said, in a message on the eve of Mother’s Day.

Mothers through their selfless sacrifices, unconditional love and unwavering dedication play a pivotal role in shaping future generations, he added.

Recognizing the immense challenges mothers face in balancing familial responsibilities and professional endeavors, the Speaker urged for a celebration of their resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment.

He stressed that every nation owes a debt of gratitude to its mothers, who nurture and guide with boundless love and compassion.

The Speaker reaffirmed the National Assembly of Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding maternal and child rights.

He said, through legislative measures and parliamentary forums like the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, SDGs Secretariat, and Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights, efforts would be made to ensure the maximum well-being and empowerment of mothers and children alike.

Sardar Ayaz Saduq also paid rich tribute to mothers of Palestine and the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, whose children are being martyred but their resolve and

commitment in their rightful struggle are unshaken.

The Speaker said whatever he is today is due to the prayers and training of his beloved parents.

He encouraged individuals to honor their mothers, highlighting the unique and selfless nature of this relationship rooted in unconditional love, sacrifice, and providing comfort during difficult times.

Wheat purchase target may be further increased: Rana Tanveer

Zaka Ullah Ch

Sat, 11 May 2024, 7:42 PM

FAISALABAD, May 11 (APP): Federal Minister for Industries, Production and National Food Security & Research Rana Tanveer Hussain said that the target of wheat purchase may be further increased to ensure a fair price to the growers as the government is sincere about facilitating wheat growers at maximum extent.

During his visit to PASSCO Center Nia Lahore Jhang Road, Tehsil Gojra near here on Saturday, he said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had taken strict notice of unavailability of Bardana (gunny bags) to the growers despite clear instructions of the government to start a purchase drive.

He assured that each and every grain would be lifted and interest of the farmers would be fully safeguarded.

He said that Pakistan Agricultural Storage & Services Corporation Limited (PASSCO) had been directed to adopt a comprehensive strategy to purchase maximum wheat from the growers in a free, fair and transparent manner. In this connection, PASSCO has so far received 88,000 applications out of which 1500 applications were verified and the company started the procurement process, he added.

He said that PASSCO had established its procurement centers in 13 tehsils across Punjab where necessary facilities were provided for wheat growers and their apprehensions would be removed.

He said that Pakistan had witnessed a bumper wheat crop this year despite harsh weather and climate change. We are hopeful that current crop would not only cater to the domestic food requirements easily but we may also export its surplus, he added.

He said that the government had also decided to provide fertilizer at cheaper rates so that the farmers could meet crop expenditures easily.

He also visited various sections of the PASSCO Center and directed the staff to deal with the growers politely and purchase their wheat produce under free, fair and transparent manner as no negligence or embezzlement would be tolerated.

PASSCO Managing Director Emad Nazir Ahmad briefed the minister about wheat procurement and said that PASSCO was issuing Bardana (bags) after registering growers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

He said that Bardana of 8 bags was issued for one acre and one farmer could obtain maximum 100 bags. Bardana is being issued on a “first come, first served” basis after verification of registration and revenue record.

He said that growers could get Bardana after depositing Rs.530 per bag as security through pay order, demand draft and call deposit while the center would charge Rs.40 from the growers as delivery charges per bag of 100 kg weight.

All these instructions were displayed at conspicuous places at all procurement centers of the PASSCO whereas the growers could also contact PASSCO toll free number 0800-72772, Assistant Commissioner (Revenue), Zonal Head, Project Manager or Center Incharge for more guidance, he added.

Deputy Secretary CM Office Rabia Mohsin, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Toba Tek Singh Muhammad Naeem Sindhu, Assistant Commissioner Gojra Nauman Ali Dogar, Incharge PASSCO Wheat Purchase Center Nia Lahore Jhang Road Ameer Ali, Assistant Incharge Hafiz Nauman and others were also present.

LESCO detects 79,021 power pilferers in 232 days

Zaka Ullah Ch

Sat, 11 May 2024, 7:36 PM

LAHORE, May 11 (APP): Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has detected a total of 79,021 connections from where the customers were pilfering electricity in all its circles of five districts (Lahore, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Kasur and Okara) in 232 days of grand anti-power theft campaign.

The LESCO spokesman told media here Saturday that the company has also submitted FIR applications against electricity thieves, out of which 74,255 FIRs have been registered in respective police stations, while 30,572 accused have been arrested. The LESCO has so far charged a total of 93,438,956 detection units worth Rs 3,451,486,351 to all the power pilferers.

Grand anti-power theft operations against electricity thieves are being conducted on the directives of the Federal Power Division and the LESCO Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Engineer Shahid Haider is supervising these operations.

The LESCO chief vowed that the operations would continue without discrimination until the complete end of electricity theft. The electricity pilferers as well as the LESCO officers and employees who facilitate them are also being brought to justice.

The spokesman added, the LESCO found 395 customers stealing electricity through various means and 161 cases have been registered against the accused, while 31 accused were arrested during the last 24 hours.

On the 232nd consecutive day of the anti-power theft campaign, he mentioned that large commercial consumers were found involved in electricity theft and all of them were also disconnected and charged with detection units.

Among the seized connections, he explained, 21 were commercial, 01 agricultural, 02 industrial and 373 domestic, and all these connections were disconnected and charged with a total of 271,623 units as detection bill amounting to Rs 9.085 million.

Apprising the media about some major power pilferers, he mentioned that LESCO charged Rs 700,000 detection bill to an electricity pilferer in Mughalpura area, Rs 400,000 detection bill to another power pilferer in Saidpur area; Rs 200,000 fine in the form of detection bill to a customer stealing electricity in Civil Lines area and Rs 200,000 fine to a power pilferer in Shad Bagh area.

PUC applauds UN resolution granting Palestinians full membership status, Route to Makkah expansion

NNPS Desk

Sat, 11 May 2024, 7:33 PM

By Rehan Khan

ISLAMABAD, May 11 (APP): The Pakistan Ulama Council (PUC) has welcomed the resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly on Friday, affirming the eligibility of Palestinians for full membership status at the United Nations.

In an exclusive interview with the media on Saturday, PUC Chairman Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi expressed his appreciation for this gigantic move, emphasizing that it underscored the global community’s unwavering support for the establishment of an independent Palestine and the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people.

He further urged world powers and all United Nations members to advocate for Palestine’s permanent membership and to take immediate and decisive action against Israel’s egregious acts, halting the senseless massacre of innocent civilians.

He conveyed gratitude to the nations instrumental in presenting the resolution, particularly highlighting the contributions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Turkiye, Iran and other supportive countries.

In addition, Ashrafi appreciated the Route to Makkah facility launched at Jinnah International Airport Karachi this year, following its successful implementation at Islamabad International Airport. He said this expansion would prove a crucial step in facilitating pilgrims traveling to the Kingdom for Hajj.

He said the Route to Makkah initiative, a joint effort between the two nations, would streamline the immigration process for Pakistani pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia. By establishing dedicated immigration counters and facilities at the following airports, Ashrafi said the project would enhance the overall pilgrimage experience, reduce waiting times, and ensure a hassle-free journey for pilgrims.

He said the implementation of the Route to Makkah project at Jinnah International Airport Karachi was a good omen for thousands of pilgrims from Sindh and adjoining regions. With Karachi being one of the busiest airports in Pakistan, the availability of dedicated facilities for pilgrims expected to significantly alleviate congestion and enhance operational efficiency during peak travel seasons, he maintained.

Ashrafi said the expansion of the Route to Makkah project underscored the commitment of both the Saudi and Pakistani governments to enhancing bilateral ties and promoting religious tourism between the two countries. He said this initiative not only served as a testament to the strong friendship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia but also demonstrated a shared vision for providing exceptional services to pilgrims undertaking the sacred journey to the holy land.

Ashrafi expressed hope that the Route to Makkah project would be expanded further to other airports across Pakistan as authorities are optimistic about its positive impact on the overall pilgrimage experience. By prioritizing the convenience and well-being of pilgrims, he said this initiative had reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to facilitating religious tourism and fostering closer ties between the people of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

In conclusion, Ashrafi underscored the efforts made by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif during his government’s previous tenure to expand the Route to Makkah initiative. He also extended gratitude to the Saudi Crown Prince, Muhammad bin Salman, for issuing a directive to establish this facility at the Karachi airport.