Monday, December 22, 2025
Home Blog Page 9912

Jam Kamal urges Pakistan-Belarus trade boost: Potential yet to be fully exploited

By
Ali Ali
-
0
Jam Kamal
ISLAMABAD, May 8 (APP):Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan on Wednesday stressed the need for Pakistan and Belarus to elevate their bilateral trade relations to fully exploit their potential.
Pakistan has been exporting a diverse range of goods to Belarus, including medicaments, optical/medical apparatus, rice, leather articles, textiles, cutlery, footwear, sports requisites, cotton garments, salt, and mangoes, said a press release issued here.
However, Pakistan’s imports from Belarus consist of agriculture tractors, fertilizer, wood pulp, and motor vehicles.
Minister Jam Kamal Khan highlighted Pakistan’s significant position as the fourth-largest dairy producer globally, suggesting that the country has the capability to become a major exporter in this sector.
He urged the exploration of new avenues and potential to capitalize on this opportunity, proposing that Belarus upgrade its tractors to meet Pakistan’s agricultural requirements.
Despite a recorded total trade volume of $19.05 million, Minister Jam Kamal Khan indicated that this figure falls short of the true potential of trade between the two nations.
He referenced the outcomes of the 6th Pakistan-Belarus Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) session held in Minsk from January 12-13, 2023, where both parties evaluated ongoing bilateral cooperation in trade.
Additionally, the Ambassador, Mr. Andrei Metelitsa emphasized Belarus’s expertise in manufacturing harvesters and electric vehicle (EV) transports, suggesting deeper cooperation between the two countries in these sectors.
Minister Jam Kamal Khan underlined the importance of both business-to-business (B to B) meetings and government-to-government (G to G) dialogues to enhance trade volume and strengthen bilateral ties.

Art exhibition showcases abstract expressionist paintings by Sherzada Khalid Iqbal

By
Ali Ali
-
0
PNCA
ISLAMABAD, May 08 (APP):The highly anticipated art exhibition titled “Dances with Colors,” featuring the abstract expressionist paintings of the prominent artist Sherzada Khalid Iqbal, opened at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) on Wednesday.
The exhibition was inaugurated by the Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Dr. Maen Khreasat, and the Director General of the of the PNCA, Muhammad Ayoub Jamali.
Sherzada Khalid Iqbal’s journey into the world of art was as remarkable as his creations. Despite his professional background as a chartered accountant, Iqbal’s life took a transformative turn following a brain hemorrhage in 1997.
This pivotal event unlocked a portal in his mind, igniting an insatiable desire to paint.
With colors streaming through his consciousness, Iqbal embarked on a creative exploration, delving into the intricate relationships between materials, aesthetics, and perceptions.
“We are delighted by the overwhelming response to Dances with Colors, an art exhibition,” said Director General of PNCA, M. Ayuob Jamali.
He highlighted the PNCA’s commitment to promoting cultural diversity and artistic expression, stating, “PNCA is honored to showcase the exceptional talent of Sherzada Khalid Iqbal and to provide a platform for artists to share their unique perspectives with the world.”
Khalid’s works were bold, bright, and expressed explosive movement. Layers of liquid enamel formed a shifting surface that appeared to be in a constant state of flux, juxtaposed in complex patterns.
Eschewing traditional tools, Khalid employed his hands to create original works of art based purely on his streams of consciousness. Refusing external influences, he adamantly isolated himself from established techniques, maintaining the purity of his work.
Constantly evolving, Khalid experimented with various mediums, including metal, glass, wood, board, and canvas. His paintings invited viewers to interpret and engage with them as they took on a life of their own, developing and evolving until they were complete.
“Sherzada Khalid Iqbal’s artwork transcends boundaries and speaks to the universal language of the human experience,” remarked Ambassador Dr. Khreasat.
He continued, “Through exhibitions like ‘Dances with Colors,’ we strive to foster an environment where creativity thrives and where art serves as a bridge connecting people across borders and cultures.”
The exhibition will be open for viewing from May 8–15 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily, with the exception of Saturdays, when the gallery will be closed.
Art enthusiasts and connoisseurs were cordially invited to witness the unveiling of Sherzada Khalid Iqbal’s masterpieces and immerse themselves in the transcendent world of “Dances with Colors.”
The exhibition celebrated the power of abstract expressionism and the boundless creativity of Sherzada Khalid Iqbal.

CM takes note of schoolteacher torture

By
Ali Ali
-
0
LAHORE, May 08 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has taken note of a torture incident, committed against a teacher at the Government High School 9/95 L, Sahiwal.
She sought a report from Commissioner Sahiwal in this regard and ordered for arrest of the accused at the earliest.
The CM ordered to provide the best medical treatment facilities to the injured schoolteacher. She strongly condemned the attack, committed by boys on their teacher. She said, “Attack being perpetrated on a schoolteacher is unacceptable under any circumstance. The respect of a teacher is mandatory in civilised societies.”

CCP initiates Phase II Review of PTCL’s acquisition of Telenor

By
Ali Ali
-
0
PTCL
ISLAMABAD, May 08 (APP):The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has successfully concluded Phase I of its review of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL)’s acquisition of Telenor Pakistan and initiated work on Phase II.
This strategic transaction, involving the consolidation of telecom services, marks a significant development in the telecommunications sector for the growth and improvement of services for the customers, said a news release issued hon Wednesday.
Owing to the size of the transaction as well as its impact on market competition, CCP has decided to undertake a more detailed assessment in Phase II of the review process.
This decision also aligns with CCP’s precedence for evaluating Mergers & Acquisitions within the telecom industry. PTCL, a leading telecommunications provider, expresses confidence in the review process and hopes for expeditious final clearance and is actively cooperating with CCP, providing comprehensive information and documentation to facilitate a thorough evaluation.
As the telecom landscape evolves, PTCL reaffirms its dedication to innovation, customer satisfaction, and industry best practices and also to further advance the ambition of the company towards the betterment of the customers, the company as well as to the economic growth and digital transformation journey.
For the customers in particular, the benefits revolve around various domains including superior network coverage in both urban and rural areas by combining the networks of two operators.
The consolidation will result in accelerated growth and improvement in broadband services. It will also boost 4G services as well as increase data speed resulting from combining the data capacity/spectrum of both networks.
This strategic initiative will also offer customers added convenience through improved accessibility, achieved by expanding touch-points such as company-operated service centers, increasing the footprint of channel partners, and significantly expanding retail presence.
Additionally, customers will benefit from an expanded product portfolio, offering a wider range of products from both companies.
The collaboration between the two companies will expedite innovation, leveraging a larger customer base to develop more innovative and experiential products. Moreover, the combined entity will possess greater capacity to invest in future technologies to offer customers enhanced offerings.

Federal Minister for Commerce holds crucial meeting with ‘Fruit Juice Council’

By
Ali Ali
-
0
Jam Kamal
ISLAMABAD, May 8 (APP):The Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, convened a pivotal meeting with the M/s Fruit Juice Council at the Ministry of Commerce on Wednesday.
The council, represented by industry leaders, provided an extensive briefing to the minister, highlighting pressing concerns regarding increased tariff rates, including Federal Excise Duty (FED) and Goods and Services Tax (GST), according to a press release issued here. During the session, the council expressed alarm over a significant 40 percent decline in juice sales attributed to the recent tax hikes.
Minister Jam Kamal Khan underscored the importance of focusing on and boosting exports.
He emphasized the government’s willingness to provide incentives, but a comprehensive proposal aimed at enhancing exports.
The minister cited the Prime Minister’s initiative to combat smuggling through a dedicated committee, a move expected to bolster local industries and generate employment opportunities.
Moreover, Minister Jam Kamal stressed the imperative of collaboration with provincial authorities and district administrations to crack down on fake and unregistered food products.
Such measures, he argued, would safeguard registered industries and uphold quality standards.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to facilitating exports, highlighting its readiness to support local industries in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities.
The meeting was attended by Additional Secretary Syed Hamid Ali and representatives from leading companies including Nestle, Shezan, TetraPak, PepsiCo, Haleeb Foods, and Popular Group.

UK House of Lords’ member Sayeeda Warsi calls on Deputy PM Dar

By
Najam ul Hassan
-
0

ISLAMABAD, May 8 (APP): Member of the House of Lords of the United Kingdom Baroness Sayeeda Warsi Wednesday called on the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar.

In the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and regional developments, and resolved to continue working together to further enhance cooperation between the two countries in all areas of mutual interest.

The two sides also discussed matters of trade and investment, and people-to-people links.

ICCI organizes seminar on mental health

By
NNPS Desk
-
0
Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari

ISLAMABAD, May 8 (APP): President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari Wednesday urged the pressing need to provide essential information and vital resources to individuals navigating mental health issues.

Addressing a seminar on mental health care in times of financial constraints, he said that awareness sessions on such crucial issues always proved beneficial for the patients to help them come out of the stress and thereby lead a normal life.

The ICCI always remained in forefront to address such issues of the business community and the general public, he said adding that it was also committed to organize such sessions in future for the benefit of the general public and promote awareness about mental health.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Uzaira Rafique Vice Chancellor of Fatima Jinnah Women University underscored the need for developing strong bounds with nature, families and social values to maintain mental health and reduce stress.

She apprised about the Mental Wellness Center established in Fatima Jinnah Women University and reaffirmed unwavering commitment to promote the well being of the entire community.

She also lauded the efforts of Zafar Bakhtawari and Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari for promoting student linkages with the ICCI and initiating entrepreneur start ups for them.

Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiative Prof. Ahsan Iqbal presenting commemorative coin and postage stamp which launched to celebrate the “Decade of CPEC” to Vice Foreign Minister of China H.E. Sun Weidong at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Beijing.

By
Wajid
-
0
APP28-080524 BEIJING: May 08 - Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiative Prof. Ahsan Iqbal presenting commemorative coin and postage stamp which launched to celebrate the "Decade of CPEC" to Vice Foreign Minister of China H.E. Sun Weidong at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Beijing.
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiative Prof. Ahsan Iqbal presenting commemorative coin and postage stamp which launched to celebrate the "Decade of CPEC" to Vice Foreign Minister of China H.E. Sun Weidong at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Beijing.
APP28-080524
BEIJING: May 08 – Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiative Prof. Ahsan Iqbal presenting commemorative coin and postage stamp which launched to celebrate the "Decade of CPEC" to Vice Foreign Minister of China H.E. Sun Weidong at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Beijing.

APP29-080524
BEIJING: May 08 – Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiative Prof. Ahsan Iqbal meeting with Vice Foreign Minister of China H.E. Sun Weidong at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Beijing. APP/AMI/MAF/TZD

President Zardari concludes 3-day Quetta visit, returns to Islamabad

By
Najam ul Hassan
-
0

ISLAMABAD, May 8 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari Wednesday concluded his three-day visit to Quetta, and returned to Islamabad.

The president was seen off by Governor Balochistan, Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, and Chief Minister Mir Safraz Ahmed Bugti.

During his visit, he was briefed on the law and order situation in Balochistan and the ongoing development projects in the province.

President Zardari reiterated his commitment to the development and prosperity of Balochistan and the resolution of public issues.

Managing Director APP Asim Khichi in a group photograph with visiting Executive Director General ISA Arshad Munir and probation officers of Information Group belonging to 41st Specialized Training Programme of Information Service Academy (ISA) at Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) Headquarters.

By
Wajid
-
0
APP36-080524 ISLAMABAD: May 08 - Managing Director APP Asim Khichi in a group photograph with visiting Executive Director General ISA Arshad Munir and probation officers of Information Group belonging to 41st Specialized Training Programme of Information Service Academy (ISA) at Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) Headquarters.
Managing Director APP Asim Khichi in a group photograph with visiting Executive Director General ISA Arshad Munir and probation officers of Information Group belonging to 41st Specialized Training Programme of Information Service Academy (ISA) at Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) Headquarters.
APP36-080524
ISLAMABAD: May 08 – 
1...9,9119,9129,913...31,096Page 9,912 of 31,096

ABOUT US

Serving the nation since 1947 by providing an accurate, objective, uninterrupted flow of news to the people, the national news service is pursuing a comprehensive strategy to transform the existing news operations into a forward-looking service – APP Digital for its diverse subscriber-base and the public.

Contact us: news@app.com.pk

FOLLOW US

Copyright © Associated Press of Pakistan