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CM Murad launches week-long anti-polio drive

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CM Sindh Polio
KARACHI, Apr 29 (APP): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah inaugurated a week-long anti-polio campaign across 24 districts by administering polio drops to children at the newly established Gulshan-e-Aka Khail in Gadap and urged parents to protect their children from the crippling virus by providing them with oral polio vaccines.
“Together, as a community, let us forge a path towards a polio-free environment, securing a healthier future for our children.” This he said while speaking at the inauguration ceremony of anti-polio camping at Gadap. The ceremony was attended by Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, Secretary Health Rehan Baloch, Provincial Coordinator EOC Irshad Sodhar, CEO PPHI Javed Jagirani, National Chair, Rotary International Aziz Memon, Dr Asif Zardari of WHO, Dr Shaukat Chandio of UNICEF and others.
 The Health Department has launched a Sub-National Immunization Days (NIDs) campaign from April 29th to May 5th, 2024. This crucial initiative aims at vaccinating approximately eight million children under the age of 5 against poliovirus in 24 districts of Sindh.
Over 62000 front-line workers will work throughout the province, ensuring every eligible child receives this life-saving vaccine. This massive effort will be supported by almost 4000 security personnel. The CM urged all schools, hospitals, and caregivers to welcome vaccinators, as they truly are fighting on the frontline in the last stages of our battle against this debilitating disease.
The Minister Health & Population Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho said that the campaign was aimed at stopping the alarming trend of positive environmental samples in Sindh and all over Pakistan, threatening the health of our children.
In recent reports, 11 positive environmental samples have been isolated from various sites in Sindh. This situation underscores the urgency of this vaccination drive. Pakistan and Afghanistan are the two remaining endemic countries, and interrupting virus transmission in this epidemiological block is critical to eradicating polio. The Polio Programmes of both countries are united in a single mission to protect children from lifelong disability and end polio in the region.
Mr Shah said that despite security challenges and persistent virus clusters, efforts were ongoing to ensure the vaccination of every child. “To ensure no child is left unprotected, we encourage parents whose children are missed to contact the Emergency Operations Centre’s Sehat Tahaffuz Helpline 1166,” he said.
The media plays a pivotal role in disseminating critical information. The CM urged journalists and community leaders to rally support for the ongoing anti-polio campaign, echoing the endorsement of medical experts and religious scholars who advocate for the safety and efficacy of the oral polio vaccine.
Minister Health & Population Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho said that the campaign was aimed at stopping the alarming trend of positive environmental samples in Sindh and all over Pakistan, threatening the health of our children.

CDNS attains Rs 1375 billion targets in fresh bond

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CDN
ISLAMABAD, Apr 29 (APP): The Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS) has achieved a target of Rs 1375 billion in fresh bonds and achieved 80 percent of annual target in the current fiscal year, from July 1 to April 25.
The National Savings has set an annual target of Rs 1742 billion for the year 2023-24, in which it is encouraging that 80 percent of the target has been achieved, and it is hoped that National Savings will surpass its annual target this FY 2023-24, the senior official of CDNS told APP here on Monday.
The CDNS surpassed the annual target and achieved the target of Rs 1.6 trillion in fresh bonds in the current fiscal year, he said. He said this was an Rs 200 billion additional annual target than the target of Rs 1300 billion for the previous financial year 2021-22.
“The CDNS has set a reviewed saving target of Rs 1.4 trillion for the current financial year (2021-22) which will promote savings culture in the country,” he said.
Given the current market trend in the country, the ambitious target had been set to improve the savings culture further, he added.
The official said that work was being done on institutional reforms in CDNS and new reforms and innovations were being introduced. “At this time Automated Teller Machine (ATM) has also been introduced in CDNS which will provide enough facilities to the users,” he added.
The official added that the directorate had set a target of Rs 75 billion for the new financial year 2023-24 for Islamic finance bonds. Replying to a question; he said the CDNS aimed to introduce new dimensions in the Islamic finance sector. “Islamic finance has a very important role in the global financial sector at this time, and a large part of the economy of many major countries currently includes Islamic finance,” he added.

1,400 cops deployed to protect polio teams

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Polio
RAWALPINDI, Apr 29 (APP): As many as 1,400 police personnel have been deployed to provide security to 677 polio teams during the seven-day anti-polio campaign kicked off here on Monday.
A police spokesman said senior police officers have also been deployed with the teams.
He informed that to ensure the security of the teams, the police personnel were also patrolling in their respective areas.

IRSA releases 170,200 cusecs water

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IRSA
IRSA
ISLAMABAD, Apr 29 (APP): Indus River System Authority (IRSA) on Monday released 170,200 cusecs water from various rim stations with inflow of 258,400 cusecs.
According to the data released by IRSA, water level in River Indus at Tarbela Dam was 1454.91 feet and was 40.91 feet higher than its dead level of 1,398 feet. Water inflow and outflow in the dam was recorded as 48,800 cusecs and 5,000 cusecs respectively.
The water level in River Jhelum at Mangla Dam was 1148.35 feet, which was 98.35 feet higher than its dead level of 1,050 feet. The inflow and outflow of water was recorded 69,400 cusecs and 25,000 cusecs respectively.
The release of water at Kalabagh, Taunsa , Guddu and Sukkur was recorded as 82,900, 53,400, 57,200 and 39,100 cusecs respectively. Similarly, from River Kabul, a total of 111,400 cusecs of water released at Nowshera and 22,300 cusecs released from River Chenab at Marala.

RDA authorities directed to take strict action against illegal construction

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RDA
RAWALPINDI, Apr 29 (APP): The Director General (DG), Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), Kinza Murtaza has directed the authorities concerned to take strict action in accordance with the law against illegal construction.
According to an RDA spokesman, the DG while chairing a meeting instructed the MP&TE Directorate of RDA to make all-out efforts to provide relief to the citizens regarding the construction of residential and commercial buildings.
She said that strict action should be taken without any discrimination against illegal constructions, encroachments, and commercial activities in residential areas.
He said the DG had directed the Estate Management Directorate of RDA to work hard to expedite the process of the property transfer cases.
The spokesman said the DG had also given special tasks to the officers concerned to ease traffic flow on the city roads.

NPO to organize a workshop on ‘Green Productivity for SMEs’

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NPO
ISLAMABAD, Apr 29 (APP): The National Productivity Organization (NPO) regional office in Faisalabad is going to organize a workshop on “Green Productivity for SMEs ‘” on Thursday (May 02) to promote and enhance green productivity across the country.
The workshop aimed at understanding the concept and importance of green productivity, identifying the areas where productivity practices can be applied, implementing initiatives effectively, and developing action plans for integrating green productivity into SME operations, said an NPO document shared here on Monday.
The workshop provides information about green productivity, assessing environmental impact, green productivity strategies, initiatives, creating awareness, and financial impact.
It also highlights regulatory compliance and standards, technology and innovation, building a culture of sustainability, and scaling up and continuous improvement.

Opaque Wheat Bags Distribution: Record of 6000 bags allegedly found missing at PASSCO centre

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Wheat bags
MUZAFFARGARH, Apr 29 (APP): District administration took serious notice of the non-transparent distribution of wheat bags allegedly by Pakistan Storage and Services Corporation Limited (PASSCO) centre’s at tehsils Alipur and Jatoe as a record of 6000 wheat bags was missing during inspection.
Following public complaints about the sale of wheat bags by the local administration of PASSCO, Deputy Commissioner Muzaffargarh instructed Assistant Commissioner Mukarram Sultan to visit the PASSCO centre. During the inspection, he found a record of 6000 wheat bags missing. Similarly, Chairman CM Punjab Initiative Committee MPA Sabtain Bukhari also intervened and informed DG PASSCO about the situation.
 Earlier, Assistant Commissioner Jatoe Tariq Mehmood Malik had recovered 1000 bags from a middleman identified as Muhammad Zafar. The middle man Muhammad Zafar had allegedly paid Rs 500/bag. A case had also been registered against the alleged outlaw.
The district administration also forward a letter to DG PASSCO to take action against the local administration of the PASSCO for unfair distribution of the wheat bags. Apart from this, the farming community expressed concerns about the sale of wheat at very low prices. They stated that the middlemen were allegedly exploiting the farmers.

CWAs to boost overseas employment opportunities for Pakistanis abroad

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OP & HRD
ISLAMABAD, Apr 29 (APP): The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (OP&HRD) has given the task to the Community Welfare Attaches (CWAs) stationed abroad to strategically enhance job opportunities for Pakistanis in the international market.
An official source told APP here on Monday that currently, there were 21 CWAs posted abroad by the Government of Pakistan.
The main aim of this task was to evaluate and improve the progress of CWAs in identifying and exploring targeted demand for employment prospects for Pakistani nationals through engagements with foreign employers.
This involved the formulation, signing, and execution of Letters of Intent (LOIs) and agreements with foreign companies, critical in amplifying the export of Pakistani manpower.
It has emphasized the crucial need for close collaboration between CWAs and the Ministry of Overseas Pakistani and Human Resource Development, particularly in sharing information related to employment demands abroad and the necessary skills required for those jobs. This step will facilitate the design of training programs specifically tailored to the skills demanded by foreign companies, ensuring that Pakistani workers are well-equipped and aligned with global standards.
While underscoring the significance of this initiative, highlighted its dual impact, not only in enhancing employment opportunities for Pakistanis abroad but also in contributing to the economic growth of the nation.
Furthermore, he stressed the essential role of CWAs in catering to the needs and resolving issues faced by overseas Pakistanis during their stay abroad.
This comprehensive approach is designed to ensure the well-being and seamless integration of Pakistani expatriates in their respective host countries.
The Ministry of Overseas Pakistani and Human Resource Development reiterates its commitment to spearheading initiatives that fortify global employment prospects for Pakistanis.
This strategic meeting signifies a significant stride towards realizing this vision and underscores the Ministry’s dedication to the welfare and prosperity of overseas Pakistanis.

OPF to establish new female academic block in Rawalpindi

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OPF
ISLAMABAD, Apr 29 (APP): The Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) an attached department of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development would establish OPF Higher Secondary Girls School Academic Block the government’s unwavering commitment to providing quality education to the children of overseas Pakistanis.
An official source told APP that the construction of a new Academic Block at OPF Girls Higher Secondary School, Rawalpindi reflects the government’s dedication to meet the educational needs of both the overseas community and the general public.
At present, 710 students including 279 children of Overseas Pakistanis are enrolled in the said school. New Academic Block will be constructed on an area of 21057 Sqr. Ft to accommodate around 300 more students. The proposed construction work of the new academic block will be completed with an estimated cost of Rs.99.93 million. The new academic block includes classrooms, daycare, a conference room, an art studio, a medical room, and a cafeteria.
Highlighting the alignment with the Prime Minister’s vision, he underscored the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development’s relentless efforts to extend maximum facilities and assistance to Pakistani expatriates, not only domestically but globally. Recognizing the invaluable contributions of overseas Pakistanis to the national economy, he affirmed the government’s commitment to exploring all avenues to facilitate them comprehensively.
He expressed optimism regarding the pivotal role overseas Pakistanis can play in national development, leveraging their knowledge, expertise, and global exposure for the betterment of the country.
He commended the management of OPF for the successful launch of the new academic block at OPF Girls Higher Secondary School, Rawalpindi, underscoring the importance of such initiatives in fostering educational growth.

Restoration of damaged roads in Upper KP starts; five killed, six injured: PDMA

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Damaged road
PESHAWAR, Apr 29 (APP): The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Monday said that several roads were damaged in Lower Chitral, Upper Dir, Mansehra and Upper Kohistan due to land sliding and floods caused by heavy downpours in the province.
According to the PDMA report, at least five persons were killed and six injured, adding that 100 cattle perished, 42 houses, four schools and six other buildings were damaged in various incidents reported from Bajaur, Battagram, Mansehra, Buner, Lakki Marwat, Kohat, Lower Chitral, Malakand, Mohmand, Nowshera, Orakzai, Shangla, Swat, Dir upper and Lower due to widespread rain.
It said that Shishiko-Madaklasht road, Chitral-Garamchashma road, Ayun-Bumborate Bobash road were blocked in Lower Chitral while Chukyatan-Sheringal road,, Shalgah-Bedami road, Thall Jandrai road, Bandai to Buchail road and Sheringal-Douangdara roads were affected in Upper Dir.
Similarly, the Link road to Bhandhian was washed away by heavy rain water in Mansehra and KKH was two-way blocked at RD-311 near Bodha bridge in Upper Kohistan.
It added that the district administrations along with highways had started restoration work on all the damaged roads and assured that soon the road links would be opened for traffic.