President stresses measures to ensure safety, security of journalists

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Thu, 2 May 2024, 11:59 PM

ISLAMABAD, May 2 (APP):President Asif Ali Zardari has emphasized the need to initiate measures for the safety and security of the journalists enabling them to freely report on important issues, without fear.

“The Constitution of Pakistan guarantees the freedom of the press; however, it is also the responsibility of the media to abide by journalistic ethics and report responsibly and accurately, keeping in view the national interest,” the president said in his message on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day.

President Zardari also stressed the need to provide an enabling environment free of intimidation or harassment to journalists so that they could freely express their opinions.

“Today, we also recognize the commendable role played by the media in promoting democratic values in the world, as well as raising awareness about issues of social and economic significance, especially climate change and global warming,” he said.

“I am hopeful that the media would continue to contribute constructively in raising awareness about issues of global concern. I am sure that media advocacy of these issues would spur international action to save our planet from the threat of climate change.”

President Zardari maintained that the World Press Freedom Day was commemorated every year on May 3 to affirm the commitment to cultivating an environment where “the media is independent and diverse and enjoys freedoms with responsibility as enshrined in our Constitution”.

He said the day “provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the state of press freedom in our country and make efforts to create a safe and conducive working environment for the journalists”.

“We believe that an independent press is essential for highlighting issues of global importance, dispelling fake news and myths, and serving as a watchdog for society. Media also has a crucial role in creating awareness about issues of global concern, including climate change, green technologies, pollution, and global warming,” he added.

The theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of the environmental crisis”, he said, underscored the importance of a free press in creating awareness and educating the people about climate change and its impacts on human life and the environment.

“We believe that the media can play its role in encouraging people to protect the environment by promoting forestation, adopting clean technologies, reducing carbon emissions, and protecting biodiversity to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change on our ecosystem,” President Zardari remarked.

The theme, he said, also highlighted that a free and responsible press should act as a bulwark against misleading information about climate change.

The president also called upon the media to play its role in countering fake news and promoting moral and ethical values.

PAF cadets’ graduation ceremony held

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NNPS Desk

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Thu, 2 May 2024, 11:46 PM

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RAWALPINDI, May 02 (APP): The Graduation Ceremony of 149th GD (P), 95th Engg, 105th Air Defence, 25th A&SD, 8th Log and 131st Combat Support Courses was held at PAF Academy Asghar Khan on Thursday.

According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir was the Chief Guest at the occasion. Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu was also present at the occasion.

Upon his arrival at the Academy, the Chief Guest was received by Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force.

A total of 144 Aviation Cadets, 1 Gentleman Cadet and 4 Naval Cadets graduated during the ceremony. The Chief Guest awarded trophies to the distinction holders.

– Sword of Honour for overall best performance in College of Flying Training was received by Aviation Cadet Squadron Under Officer Muhammad Junaid Malik.

– Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Trophy for the overall best performance in General Service Training was awarded to Aviation Cadet Sargent Faseeh Abbas.

– Chief of the Air Staff Trophy for the overall best performance in the Air Defence Course was received by Aviation Cadet Habib Ur Rehman.

– Chief of the Air Staff Trophy for the overall best performance in Admin & Special Duties Course was awarded to Aviation Cadet Muhammad Arsalan Shakeel.

– Asghar Khan Trophy for the overall best performance in Combat Support Course was received by Aviation Cadet Khushhal Khan.

– Chief of the Air staff Trophy for best performance in Engineering discipline was awarded to Pakistan Naval Cadet Sargent Amanullah.

While addressing the graduating cadets, the Chief Guest congratulated the graduating cadets and their families. COAS while applauding role of PAF for the defence of Pakistan, highlighted that PAF has always met the expectations of the nation by displaying professionalism and utmost valour.

The graduation ceremony was followed by an aerial display by an array of fighter aircraft and aerobatics.

The Graduation Parade was witnessed by high ranking military and civilian dignitaries as well as parents of the graduating cadets.

Azam Tarar urges for effective implementation of Action Plan for Human Rights

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NNPS Desk

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Thu, 2 May 2024, 11:46 PM

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ISLAMABAD, May 02 (APP): Federal Minister for Human Rights Azam Nazir Tarar on Thursday said the National Task Force has been constituted by the prime minister for various initiatives under the Action Plan for Human Rights through collaboration of federal and provincial stakeholders.

He was presiding over the 6th meeting of National Task Force on Human Rights. The meeting was attended by Barrister Aqeel Malik, MNA; Secretary, Ministry of Human Rights, Chairperson, National Commission for Human Rights, Chairperson, National Commission on the Rights of Child, Provincial Secretaries of Human Rights Departments, and senior officers from Federal and Provincial Governments.

The minister highlighted that after devolution, the role of provincial departments was vital for improving overall human rights situation in the country.

He urged the stakeholders to undertake special measures concerning protection of rights of vulnerable segment, particularly women, children, religious minorities, persons with disabilities and transgender persons. He also invited all representatives of Provincial Governments to share status and progress.

The minister said the provinces have been requested to reactivate Provincial Task Forces on Human Rights and convene their meetings on regular basis. In order to strengthen institutional mechanism at the district level, the Provincial Governments have to reactivate District Human Rights Committees under the chair of respective Deputy Commissioners.

He stressed upon developing linkages of ZARRA App for recovery of missing children, as well as Human Rights Information Management System and establish independent secretariat of Treaty Implementation Cells like Government of Punjab and Sindh.

While discussing the Gender Parity Index with regard to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023, wherein, Pakistan is ranked at 142 out of 146 countries, Azam Nazir Tarar constituted a sub-committee under the chair of Barrister Aqeel Malik, MNA for analysis of Report, to find out reasons and to recommend required interventions by the Government for improving Pakistan’s ranking. Besides, low ranking of Pakistan with regard to Human Development Index, reflected in Human Development Report by UNDP, was also discussed. Provincial representatives were requested to take affirmative actions to improve the Pakistan status with regard to gender parity index in international context. In this regard, the role of Federal Bureau of Statistics was also highlighted.

Azam Nazir Tarar asked the Chairperson NCRC to take steps for harmonization of legislation among provinces on child age for marriage and may to propose legislative measures to link registration of marriages with the provision of CNICs.
In this regard, a legislative analysis of Muslim countres be made to identify child age for marriage.

Similarly, in connection with the issue of child domestic labour, the minister directed to harmonise the age among federal and provincial laws; and Ministry of Law & Justice in collaboration with Ministry of Human Rights may evolve a mechanism for issuance of CNICs by NADRA. Moreover, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government has been requested to expedite their proposed law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on the pattern of other provinces and Islamabad Capital Territory.

10 firms submit LoIs for PIA: Aleem Khan

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NNPS Desk

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Thu, 2 May 2024, 11:36 PM

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ISLAMABAD, May 2 (APP): Federal Minister for Privatization, Board of Investment & Communications Abdul Aleem Khan on Thursday said that 10 big firms had so far submitted initial documents expressing their interest for buying of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

The Privatization Commission had extended deadline for 15 days, Letters of Interest (LoIs) could now be submitted till May 18 and there would be no more extension in the date, he said while talking to the media.

He said he had obtained the prime minister’s permission for extension in the deadline as the 10 companies, which had expressed interest in acquiring the PIA, sought a two weeks time to form a consortium with international firms for the purpose.

The minister said that some newspapers did not publish facts regarding the PIA’s privatization. In fact the situation was encouraging. The airline still had much potential as with addition of new planes it could be converted into a profitable entity.

He said that the privatization of PIA with an accumulated loss of Rs 830 billion was in the larger national interest, and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari would surely support the process.

He said that the process for privatization of Pakistan Steels Mill, Discos, First Women’s Bank, House Building Finance Corporation and other institutions was also underway.

Unfortunately such loss making enterprises were putting a huge burden on the national economy, he said.

It was not the government’s job to run businesses and that was why the private sector would be involved for bringing in modern innovative technologies to turn entities into the profit oriented organizations and improve their services delivery as well, the minister added.

Aleem Khan said that all the liabilities of PIA had been cleared by the government and after privatization it would be beneficial for the new owners as it still had bigger marker share than its competitors.

The minister said that the PIA’s Hajj and Umrah flights to Saudi Arabia were the most profitable while its direct flights to Europe, the United States, Canada, and other Middle East countries would also be attracting for passengers.

He said that the LOIs would be opened in the presence of the prospective everyone on May 18 and as the Federal Minister for Privatization he would ensure full transparency into the entire process.

To a question, the minister said that government also wanted to privatize six to seven power distribution companies (Discos) and only three would continue to work under the government’s supervision for strategic point of view.

Saudi Arabia launches Nusuk pilgrim card for the Hajj of 2024

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Ali Ali

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Thu, 2 May 2024, 11:31 PM

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ISLAMABAD, May 02 (APP):The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched the Nusuk pilgrim card, which will be in use for the forthcoming annual pilgrimage of Hajj 2024.

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah released the Nusuk card by presenting its copy to Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas in Jakarta during his official visit to Indonesia.

The launching of the card is the latest in a series of reforms introduced by the government of Saudi Arabia as part of its continuous endeavors to provide everything that will add to the ease and comfort of the pilgrims and enable them to benefit from the highly advanced technologies to facilitate their lifetime journey of faith, Saudi Gazette reported.

The Nusuk pilgrim card aims to raise the efficiency of operational procedures for the upcoming Hajj season to make the pilgrimage much easier and simplified as well as to bring down instances of performing Hajj in an illegal way. It is designed to be easy to read automatically. The card facilitates Hajj workers to identify and verify the identity of each pilgrim, and also helps prevent unauthorized individuals from entering the holy sites, and thus ensuring the safety and security of all pilgrims.

The ministry revealed that the card is in digital and physical (print) formats. The print copy of the card will be delivered to pilgrims through their respective Hajj missions or Hajj service providing companies and establishments with which the pilgrims have concluded contracts to perform the pilgrimage.

The digital copy is available through the pilgrim’s account on the Nusuk and Tawakkalna applications. The ministry stated that the pilgrim must scan the QR code on the printed card, and then follow the instructions that lead to obtaining the digital version of the card.

The ministry indicated that the card provides a wide range of services for the pilgrims. The most important of these services is proving the identity of the pilgrim in front of the relevant authorities and enabling them to verify his data for the purpose of making available the best possible services. It will also provide key information such as the pilgrim’s personal data, address and health records, linked to a smartphone application.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah urged pilgrims coming from within Saudi Arabia and abroad to obtain the card before their arrival at the Holy Sites. The foreign and domestic pilgrims are obliged to carry the card during their travel and movements throughout the Hajj period from the time of their arrival until their departure. The ministry emphasized that the card is mandatory for entry and travel within the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah as well as for their movement between the Holy Sites of Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah.

The card also contains details of the respective Hajj mission of the pilgrim and ways to communicate with it, in addition to knowing the schedules of the pilgrims’ grouping and residential addresses. The ministry stated that the pilgrim can also receive special alerts, in addition to the evaluation of the provided services, and file their observations and complaints via the digital card.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had previously warned those wishing to perform Hajj rituals against falling in the trap of fake Hajj campaigns and bogus Hajj service providers. It urged pilgrims to apply for Hajj only through official agencies and channels.

During last March, the ministry launched the second edition of its “Jusoor Initiative” aimed to enhance communication with various countries around the world, as well as to review the Kingdom’s efforts in serving the guests of Allah, and facilitate the procedures for their arrival to the Two Holy Mosques.

PM forms inquiry committee to probe matter of wheat import

By

Najam ul Hassan

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Thu, 2 May 2024, 11:24 PM

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ISLAMABAD, May 2 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday formed an inquiry committee headed by the Secretary Cabinet Division to probe into the matter of wheat import in the country.

Chairing a high-level review meeting regarding the current status of wheat reserves in the country here, the prime minister inquired from the Ministry of National Food Security about the import of wheat last year.

The prime minister questioned that for what reason the decision to import wheat was taken despite the good production of the commodity last year.

Expressing satisfaction over bumper crop production of wheat this year, the prime minister stressed to ensure that there was no delay in the purchase of wheat.

All necessary steps should be taken regarding the purchase of wheat, he said adding the farmers should be immediately paid for their hard work.

Federal Ministers Ahad Khan Cheema, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Jam Kamal Khan, PM’s Coordinator Rana Ehsan Afzaal and other high officials attended the meeting.

DC reviews seven-day anti-polio drive in Federal Capital

By

Ali Ali

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Thu, 2 May 2024, 11:21 PM

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ISLAMABAD, May 02 (APP):Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, Irfan Nawaz Memon on Thursday reviewed the seven-day anti-polio drive in the Federal Capital and revealed that 75% of the vaccination target has been achieved, with 461,125 children receiving polio vaccines.

The review meeting was attended by a number of key officials, including Additional Deputy Commissioner East, Director Health Services MCI, District Health Officer, and representatives from the health department, assistant commissioners, magistrates, and polio teams, said the Spokesman of ICT Administration, Dr Abdullah Tabassum here.

During the meeting, the stakeholders shared their progress and discussed the achievements of the campaign’s fourth day.

The Deputy Commissioner urged citizens to support the polio teams as they continue their door-to-door efforts to vaccinate children. Special teams have also been deployed in schools and public areas to achieve the 100 percent target.

On the occasion, DCT stressed that public cooperation was crucial and urged the residents to support the polio workers to ensure all children were vaccinated against this crippling disease.

High Commissioner Hawkins hosts reception to mark ‘Australia Day in Spring’

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NNPS Desk

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Thu, 2 May 2024, 11:14 PM

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ISLAMABAD, May 02 (APP): Australia’s High Commissioner in Pakistan Neil Hawkins Thursday held a vibrant reception to celebrate ‘Australia Day in Spring’ to mark the enduring ties between Australia and Pakistan.

High Commissioner Hawkins, on the occasion, emphasised the historical ties of over 160 years and the shared ambition to capitalise on the dynamism in the two countries.

“Australia and Pakistan are both relatively young nations but old civilisations. We share a federal system of governance, together with a rich cultural diversity, delicate ecosystems, and unique biodiversity,” Hawkins remarked.

He said Australia remains a steadfast supporter of a Pakistan that is democratic, inclusive, prosperous and stable, consistent with its Constitution.

Highlighting the importance of gender equality, the High Commissioner affirmed: “We’re particularly excited to be working with our Pakistani colleagues to support their efforts to empower women and girls and unleash their full potential.”

Hawkins said, “This year we celebrate 40 years of cooperation between the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research and Pakistan. Drawing on Australia’s own experiences, we have been helping develop the agricultural sector and implement sustainable water management practices, crucial for both nations given the impacts of climate change. We also celebrate 40 years of cooperation between our police agencies.”

“I’m confident that more than 100,000 Australian-Pakistanis and many thousands of Pakistani and Australian alumni will bring our countries closer together. Not to mention the growing Australian involvement in the development of Pakistan’s mining sector and in building Pakistan’s emerging dairy industry.” he concluded.

The celebration witnessed the participation of many friends of Australia, including politicians, officials, diplomats, media, businesses and development partners.