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Pak-EPA enforcement team confiscates 70kg single-use plastic bags

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AHMD Raja
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ISLAMABAD, May 04 (APP):The Enforcement Team of Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) conducted a field operation against single-use plastic polythene items in Blue area, Trail 3 and 4 of Marghalla Hills National Park upon the directions of Coordinator to Prime Minister on Climate Change and DG Pak-EPA.
During the Inspection, the team visited Hotels such as Tabaq Hotel, Salt n Pepper Hotel, Pak-Chinese Samosa Centre, Diet Chinese Samosa Centre,  Usmania Hotel and others.
The team confiscated about 70 kilograms of polythene or plastic bags and Single-Use Plastic materials, a news release said.
“Resultantly, Pak-EPA’s is making efforts to enforce the Single-Use Plastic (Prohibition) Regulations 2023 in ICT limits.
The Enforcement Team is vigilantly visiting different zones of Islamabad to ensure compliance with the regulations and prevent the use of harmful single-use plastic items.
This initiative aims to protect the environment and promote sustainable practices in the capital city,” the EPA said.

Pak-Uzbek business community welcomes KSA’s $20 billion investment in Uzbekistan

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NNPS Desk
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Pak-Uzbek

TASHKENT, May 04 (APP): The business communities of Pakistan and Uzbekistan on Saturday welcomed Saudi Arabia’s $20 billion investment in Uzbekistan in energy sector.

Meanwhile talking to APP, besides the Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF), Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Uzbekistan, Vakhabov Davron Abdujalolovich said that at the opening ceremony of the Tashkent International Investment Forum on May 2, the Minister of Energy of Saudi Arabia, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman announced the investment of $20 billion by the Saudi government and the private sector in the energy sector, which will start projects in various energy sectors.

He said that the announcement of investment of $20 billion by the Saudi government would also create opportunities for the business community of Pakistan due to which the business communities of both countries will work on many bilateral projects.

He said that after the execution of the projects not only Uzbekistan but also the economy of the region will benefit from this and regional countries can take advantage of this opportunity.

Talking to APP, Deputy Chairman of Kazakhstan Commodity Exchange, Nabikhon Samatov Samatov said that there is already a agreement between Pakistan and Uzbekistan Commodity Exchange for bilateral cooperation and now after the announcement of $20 billion investment by Saudi Arabia, now there are big opportunities for Pakistani businessmen here.
He said that all the countries of the region will benefit from this huge investment in the energy sector.

On this occasion, talking to APP, Habib Mamsan, member governing member of Pakistan Mercantile Exchange and head of the delegation of businessmen visiting Tashkent International Investment Forum, said that the business communities of Pakistan and Uzbekistan have been cooperating for many years and the current $20 billion investment in Uzbekistan from Saudi Arabia is useful for regional economy.

He said that the commodity sector of Pakistan and Uzbekistan will now start mutual discussions and work will be started to further enhance bilateral economic relations between the two countries.

It is pertinent to mention that beside this more than 10 investment agreements were signed on the first day of Tashkent International Investment Forum.

Interest in the International Investment Forum is growing every year.

In particular, this year the event gathered about 2.5 thousand delegates from 93 countries. On the first day of the forum, more than ten investment agreements were signed with major companies, including ACWA Power, Masdar, Bonfarm Group and others.

This event marked the beginning of large-scale co-operation in such key areas as energy, geology, food processing and the introduction of green technologies.

The signing of the agreements is expected to lead to significant investments in the development of these industries, fueling economic growth and innovation. Industry representatives noted that such contracts not only strengthen business ties, but also create new opportunities for international co-operation.

The forum also discussed the current challenges and future prospects of each of the mentioned industries, supported by concrete plans and projects signed in the form of contracts.

This forum, organized to stimulate investing activities and exchange of experience between key market players, is already showing its effectiveness and relevance to the economic landscape.

Rescue 1122 marks International fire fighters day

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NNPS Desk
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Rescue 1122

MULTAN, May 04 (APP): Rescue 1122 organized an awareness walk, flag march and seminar on the occasion of International Firefighters Day to pay tribute to firefighters.

Punjab Emergency Service Rescue 1122 Multan organized an awareness walk to pay tribute to the fire fighters acknowledge their services and provide awareness to the public about fire safety so that the community could be made aware of their important role in case of any fire incident and reduce the incidents of fire emergencies.

The walk led by Emergency Officer Engineer Muhammad Bilal started from Kumharanwala chowk and culminated at Madni park.

The participants of the walk carried banners and placards about fire safety and recognition of the services of firefighters.
Among the other participants, Rescue and Safety Officer Muhammad Arshad Khan, Rescue and Safety Officer Muhammad Aftab, Rescue and Safety Officer Muhammad Ejaz, Fire Rescues, Volunteers, Civil Society and Rescuers participated.

A seminar was held on the topic of “Firefighters are real heroes” at the Rescue head office presided over by Emergency Officer Engineer Muhammad Bilal.

Addressing the seminar, Engineer Bilal said that in fact, fire fighters were real heroes of the nation because they not only help people in times of crisis but sometimes also sacrifice their lives to protect people’s lives and properties.

‘Firefighters are our foreheads’. Firefighters of Rescue 1122 were always ready to serve the people of Multan.

He urged the owners of high-rise buildings to follow the fire safety rules made by the Emergency Services department to protect such buildings from fire incidents.

APP/sak

Modi’s hit squads operating in Canada threaten national security: Pannun

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AHMD Raja
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Modi’s
ISLAMABAD, May 04 (APP):Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the head of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), claims that the recent detention of three Indian state operatives by Canadian authorities, in relation to the killing of Canadian Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, supports the assertion that the Narendra Modi administration instructed RAW, its foreign intelligence agency, to orchestrate Nijjar’s assassination.
The pro-Khalistan leader and personal friend and mentor of Nijjar said this after the Canadian police charged three members of a RAW-sponsored hit team for their role in the killing of Nijjar, who was running Khalistan Referendum campaign in Canada on behalf of the SFJ, in the parking lot of the Guru Nanak Sikh gurdwara on the evening of 18 June last year in the city of Surrey, British Columbia. According to court documents, Karanpreet Singh, 28, Kamalpreet Singh, 22 and Karan Brar, 22, have been charged with first-degree murder and one count of conspiracy to commit murder in Nijjar’s death.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, Attorney at Law (New York)  and General Counsel to SFJ, said: “Shaheed Nijar was my dear, personal friend and a close associate. He was head of the Khalistan Referendum campaign in Canada and President of a Gurdwara in Surrey, BC. He was an upright individual, a peaceful man with a demonstrated commitment to community service.”
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who was himself a target of the high profile Indian killing hit last year but survived after the plot was foiled by the US spies, blamed Prime Minister Modi government for the killing of Nijjar and for ordering a hit on him.
Pannun said: “In the light of Prime Minister Modi’s own statements, he recently proclaimed in a speech that ‘This New India comes into your home to kill you. My India does not send dossiers. We kill terrorists at their home turf’.”
The SFJ founder said: “While today’s action by Canadian authorities, which led to the arrest of those directly involved in the killing, is a step forward, it only scratches the surface. High-ranking Indian diplomats such as Indian High Commissioner to Canada Sanjay Verma and Consul General of India in Vancouver Manish provided logistical support and intelligence for the assassination. They must be charged. Reports, including one from the Washington Post, suggest that the RAW agents who assisted in carrying out the assassination are still actively positioned at the Indian Consulate in Vancouver.”
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun said that simply removing RAW agents from Indian missions does not suffice to counteract the Modi government’s spree of transnational terrorism.
The Sikh leader, who lives under security around the clock, said: “If we are to genuinely combat this wave of transnational violence, those Indian diplomats who oversee RAW’s espionage operations in Canada must be held accountable and face legal proceedings. Only through such decisive actions can we hope to dismantle the networks that enable and perpetuate such crimes against Canadians on Canadian soil.
“Canadian politicians of every stripe must stand with the Canadian Sikhs’ right to peacefully advocate for Khalistan without facing any violent retaliation from the Indian Government. Canada’s political leadership must stand on the right side of history in countering the Modi government’s transnational repression of pro-Khalistan Sikhs on Canadian soil, to ensure this sort of violence never happens again.”
Pannun added: “Nijjar laid his life working for the cause of Khalistan, Phase III of Khalistan Referendum voting on July 28, 2024 in Calgary, AB is dedicated to Hardeep Singh Nijjar and other Canadians who sacrificed their lives for the cause of Khalistan.”
The three India men arrested on Friday were living in the city of Edmonton, Alberta, and will be transported on Monday to British Columbia to face charges. The indictments allege the conspiracy was planned in both Surrey and Edmonton between 1 May and 18 June.
Brian Edwards, RCMP assistant commissioner called the killing “outrageous” and “reprehensible”, adding the investigators worked closely with members of the Sikh community.
“It had a profound impact on the residents of Surrey and, notwithstanding today the announcing of charges, those scars will remain in our community for a long time,” he said.
In September, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told parliament his government had “credible allegations” that India was behind the killing, calling the death of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil an “unacceptable violation of our sovereignty”.
The fallout from Nijjar’s murder has chilled relations between Canada and India – and exposed what officials say is a transnational campaign of violence by India, meant to target dissidents abroad.
Canada’s public safety minister said the arrests confirmed “that the RCMP take these matters extremely seriously”.
The men arrested on Friday are Indian citizens who entered Canada on student visas three to five years ago. None have permanent residency, said Supt Mandeep Mooker. More arrests in connection to the murder are possible, he said, adding that police were working with other units in “active investigations” across the country.
Six men and two vehicles were involved in Nijjar’s murder, according to previous statements from police.
“We remain dedicated to finding and arresting each one of these individuals,” said Mooker.

Reps from 12 countries, organizations express willingness to deepen space cooperation before Chang’e-6 launch

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NNPS Desk
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CNSA

BEIJING, May 4 (APP): Around 50 guests from 12 countries’ space agencies, including Pakistan, France, and Italy, as well as representatives from the United Nations and the European Space Agency, expressed willingness to seek cooperation with China in lunar and deep space exploration.

These guests were gathered in Haikou, South China’s Hainan Province, to witness the launch of Chang’e-6 lunar probe, said the China National Space Administration (CNSA).

The Chang’e-6 mission carried a number of international payloads to the Moon, including the European Space Agency’s lunar surface ion analyzer, France’s radon detection instrument, Italy’s laser corner reflector, and a CubeSat from Pakistan, the CNSA revealed to the Global Times.

The guests were in Haikou for the Chang’e-6 International Payloads Workshop hosted by the CNSA, where they shared insights on the various scientific payloads sent to the Moon aboard the Chang’e-6 probe.

The participants of the workshop praised the extensive international cooperation carried out in the Friday mission and expressed willingness to seek new cooperation in lunar and deep space exploration with China, the CNSA told the Global Times.

In return, the CNSA said it is willing to work with more countries to expand human knowledge on space, enhance the well-being of all human kind, and serve the advancement of human civilization.

The Chang’e-6 mission is tasked with collecting and returning samples from the moon’s mysterious far side, the first endeavor of its kind in the history of human lunar exploration.

APP/asg

Equipping with essential skills vital for economic growth: Ahsan Iqbal

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NNPS Desk
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Ahsan Iqbal

ISLAMABAD, May 4 (APP): Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Saturday emphasized the importance of forging robust connections between academia and industry, besides equipping individuals with essential skills for achieving sustainable economic progress.

In a meeting with the Animal Husbandry Committee and vice chancellors of veterinary colleges, he said that the government was committed to resolve all the issues on priority basis faced by the local veterinary institutes, said a press release.

Professor Ahsan Iqbal highlighted that a major challenge facing the animal husbandry sector is aligning education curricula with the demands of the modern era and bridging the gap between academia and industry to achieve requisite skills of economic development and social prosperity.

He emphasized the pivotal role of the veterinary sciences sector in national development goals, advocating for the adaptation of veterinary education curricula to meet the standards of the fourth industrial revolution.

Referring to a 7-point framework developed in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission in 2023, he urged the HEC to conduct performance audits of local educational institutions.

Furthermore, he underscored the necessity of promoting high-quality research alongside conventional education to enhance competitiveness on the global stage.

The minister said that Pakistan ranks fourth in the world in beef production while countries like New Zealand and Norway were famous for their cattle production.

He stressed the need to improvising productivity of local dairy and poultry products to compete with the developed economies.

Dedication, timely response remain hallmark of dedicated firefighters; DEO

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NNPS Desk
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firefighters

RAWALPINDI, May 04 (APP): Dedication to assignment, courage and timely response are the hallmarks of our firefighters to counter any fire emergency. A proven record of successful operations in various firefighting emergencies by the valour firefighters, shows the commitment and professional preparedness of District Emergency Service. On the occasion of International Firefighters Day, we reiterate our full resolve to continue delivering our best services to the nation.

This was stated by the District Emergency Officer (DEO) Rawalpindi, Engr. Sibghat Ullah in a brief talk with APP in the context of International Firefighters Day-2024 here Saturday. The Day is celebrated on May 4 every year to commemorate the sacrifices laid by the Australian firefighters while distinguishing the fire in 1999.

Engr. Sibghat Ullah termed the unparalleled bravery, great sacrifices and selfless service of firefighters around the world as iconic for emergency personnel. Our emergency force fights with the fire without any fear and is always ready for the security of the country and nation, he said adding that timely information to the emergency service was the foremost step for a successful operation.

To miscellaneous questions, the DEO informed that 1330 incidents were reported in the year 2023 in which 96 lives were saved by the Rescue-1122 besides saving the property worth Rs. 2103.82 million. Among these, a number of big tragedies were also averted by the rescue team. There were 15 casualties in some unfortunate incidents during the preceding year, he informed.

He further said that besides special training in fire fighting, modern safety procedures have also been introduced in the Punjab Emergency Service. The brave firefighters of Rescue 1122 have made eternal sacrifices in the line of duty.

Spokesman Muhammad Usman on the occasion paid tribute to 13 valour firefighters who sacrificed their lives during the operation in Gakhar Plaza Sadar incident, occurred in 2008. The morale of rescue personnel is always high, so be it fire or flood, accident or tragedy, they are always ready to face any storm, he said. Usman, while talking on professional preparedness of the rescuers’ personnel said that regular drilling and mocks had been exercised to maintain the readiness of firefighters.

When asked about comparative placement of Rescue 1122, Usman noted that since its establishment in 2004 by Secretary/Founder and Director General Rescue 1122 Punjab Dr. Rizwan Naseer, Rescue-1122 has become the largest and most effective emergency management system in Pakistan, having continued rich experience of facing natural and man made calamities. The assistance given by the emergency service is always based on knowledge and practical experience, he said.

Ambassador Hashmi speaks highly of Chang’e 6 project

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NNPS Desk
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Hashmi

BEIJING, May 4 (APP): Pakistan Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi spoke highly of the extensive global cooperation on China’s Chang’e-6 mission, saying that this is a demonstration of international cooperation in action.
“Another milestone and good auspicious day for China, and for Pakistan-China friendship, but also for international cooperation. So, we see today China providing concrete example of a platform where European Space Agency, French and Italian Space Agencies and Pakistan space agencies are coming together and making their contributions. This is a demonstration of international cooperation in action,” the ambassador said in media talk with CGTN on the launch of Pakistan’s first lunar satellite, in collaboration with China’s Chang’e 6 mission.
“All of us have a shared future,” he said adding that space cooperation on Friday’s launch is a practical manifestation of sharing the benefits of technology with other countries and organizations.
Qamarul Islam, a professor at the Institute of Space Technology of Pakistan, expressed great appreciation for collaboration with China.
He said the relatively small countries who are not able to go into space on their own should be given the opportunity to do some space research.
About 50 guests from 12 countries and international organizations were invited by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) to attend a workshop focusing on the international payloads carried by Chang’e 6 and witness its launch at the Wenchang Space Launch Site in south China’s Hainan Province.
The Chang’e 6 mission is expected to collect samples from the far side of the moon, making this mission unprecedented in human history.
The mission is carrying four payloads developed through international cooperation, providing more opportunities for the world’s scientists and merging human expertise in space exploration.
Scientific instruments from France, Italy and the European Sp ace Agency (ESA) are aboard the Chang’e 6 lander, and a small satellite from Pakistan is aboard the orbiter.
On this year’s China Space Day, which fell on April 24, the CNSA declared that more partners, including one country and two international organizations, will participate in the construction and operation of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS).
The new partners of the ILRS include Nicaragua, the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization, and the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences.
China will collaborate with these three parties on various issues concerning the ILRS, including its demonstration, engineering implementation, operation and application, according to the CNSA.
Officials at the CNSA have signed agreements and memorandums of understanding on cooperation on the ILRS with relevant officials from the three sides.
The construction of the ILRS will be carried out in three phases, with a basic model of the station expected to be completed by around 2030.
The research station is designed to operate autonomously for extended periods, with periodic human involvement, said the CNSA.

APP/asg

Sehrai was an embodiment of freedom struggle: Altaf Hussain Wani

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NNPS Desk
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Altaf Hussain Wani

ISLAMABAD, May 04 (APP): Prominent Hurriyat leader and vice chairman Jammu Kashmir National Front (JKNF) Altaf Hussain Wani has paid rich tributes to Shaheed Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai on his martyrdom anniversary.

In a statement issued here Saturday, Wani, while remembering the supreme sacrifices rendered by Sehrai and his family, said that the martyred leader was an embodiment of freedom struggle who lived and died for a noble cause.

Sehrai, he said, was a great freedom fighter and a strong proponent of Kashmiris’ right to self determination.

“His life-long struggle and contribution to the ongoing freedom struggle is the brightest chapter of resistance history that will continue to inspire future generations”, Wani said adding that Shaheed Sehrai would be remembered in the annals of Kashmir history as a great patriot who preferred death rather than compromising his ideals.

Terming Sehrai’s sudden death in prison as a clear case of custodial killing, the APHC leader said that successive Indian governments have been using illegal detentions as a tool to suppress political dissent in Kashmir.

The JKNF leader reiterated his party’s demand for an independent probe into the custodial killing of the deceased leader and other such incidents.

Jam Kamal holds meeting to tackle border area challenges

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NNPS Desk
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Jam Kamal

ISLAMABAD, May 4 (APP): Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan chaired a meeting on Saturday to discuss innovative solutions and proactive measures to address the challenges faced by the country’s border areas, aiming to foster socio-economic prosperity in these regions.

Formed under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s initiative, the high-level committee is tasked with devising comprehensive strategies for the holistic development of these areas, said a press release issued by the Ministry of Commerce.

The meeting covered various matters, including tariff rationalization and employment creation, reflecting the committee’s commitment to addressing challenges faced by the border communities.

The committee aims to present its recommendations to the Prime Minister within 10 days, signalling a promising start to collaborative efforts for socio-economic development in the region.”

Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal on Saturday chaired a meeting to discuss innovative solutions and proactive measures to address the challenges faced by the country’s border areas for fostering socio-economic prosperity of these areas.

Formed under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s initiative, the high-level committee is tasked with devising comprehensive strategies for holistic development of these areas, said a press release issued by the Ministry of Commerce.

The meeting discussed different matters including tariff rationalization and employment creation,which was reflecting the committee’s commitment to addressing challenges faced by the border communities.

The committee aims to present its recommendations to the Prime Minister within 10 days, signaling a promising start to collaborative efforts for socio-economic development in the region.

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