QUETTA: May 08 –
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QUETTA: May 08 – Representative of Germany Government Dr. Fronses cutting ribbon to inaugurate the BISP Mobile Registration Center for provision of facilities to women. APP/MNN/MAF/TZD
Representative of Germany Government Dr. Fronses addressing at inauguration ceremony of BISP Mobile Registration Center for provision of facilities to women.
QUETTA: May 08 –
Pakistan Jr. Tennis team for South Asian Tennis Championship announced
PESHAWAR, May 08 (APP):A three-member Pakistan Junior Tennis team has been announced for the forthcoming South Asian Tennis Championship to be played in Kathmandu, Nepal from May 20-29, 2024.
The players selected include Rashid Ali Buchani (Sindh), Muhammad Shayan Afridi and Muhammad Junaid Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa).
The players are really pumped up for the event. Surprisingly, since 2011 each of the national team either U12, U14, U16 or Davis Cup national squads, none of the coaches of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had been named alongside the team to recognize their efforts and hard work with the players who were selected in the national side.
Talking to the media, Shayan Afridi said that he will try his level best to win the trophy in U12 category. He was working hard for the event. After a long struggle, he had been included in the national team.
He said that he has been playing tennis for the last four years and had won many competitions, including Pakistan Junior Open, PSB Cup, Bank of Punjab Cup and many more.
Muhammad Junaid said that he had also been playing tennis for the last four years and his victories are quite high. “I could not express the joy of joining the national team for the first time.
He said he had an honour of winning runners-up trophies in Sheikho Steel in U12 and U14 categories besides winning Milat Tractor’s both U12 and U14 categories trophies.
Muhammad Junaid said that he won runners-up trophy of the Service Tyres and reached the semi-finals in the U14 category of the same.
He said that he reached the quarter-finals of the Sheharyar Malik Open Tennis and won the winner trophy in the U12 category besides winning the trophy of the Haji Umar Khatab Memorial Tennis Open Championship U14 category.
Omar Ayaz Khalil, Secretary of the KP Tennis Association, when contacted, said that it was a good news that two junior players took trials and were selected for the National team to play tennis for the first time at international level.
He said other players who have been selected to represent Pakistan include Shoaib Khan, Barkat Ullah, Yousaf Khalil, Saqib Umar, Aqib Umar, Kashan Umar, Hamza Roman, Hamid Israr, Uzair Khan with two of the upcoming selected team players Junaid Khan and Shayan also got the honor of becoming international players and represented Senior and Junior Davis Cup teams.
Khalil said, “We have well qualified coaches who worked hard with the players and they had been selected for various teams at the national level including Shaharyah Khan, Shah Hussain, Zakir Ullah, and Nouman Khan. All of them are well talented but Pakistan Tennis Federation did not give them a chance to go with the teams as coaches. They deserved to be named with the team because of their hard efforts, yet to be recognized.”
He said four other players Muhammad Faizan Afridi, Ryan Umar Khalil, Salar Khan and Shaharyar Khan will soon join
the teams.
Polio virus detected in four environmental samples
ISLAMABAD, May 8 (APP):National Institute of Health (NIH) said on Wednesday that four new environmental samples had tested positive for wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1), bringing the total number of positive samples this year to 112.
The four new samples were collected from Karachi and Pishin district in Balochistan province, and were genetically linked to the imported YB3A cluster of WPV1.
This cluster had been responsible for all positive samples and two human cases reported in Pakistan this year, private news channels reported.
The NIH warned that the virus posed a significant threat to children under the age of five, who could be infected with a lifelong physical disability.
The health ministry has urged parents to ensure their children receive the polio vaccine during every immunization campaign to defeat the disease.
The NIH has implemented an integrated strategy in high-risk areas to combat polio, and the government has reiterated its commitment to eradicating the disease from the country.
Rain-wind/thunderstorm likely at isolated places in Balochistan, KP, Kashmir
ISLAMABAD, May 08 (APP):Rain-wind/thunderstorms are expected at isolated places in north Balochistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and adjoining hilly areas at evening/night during the next 24 hours.
“Mainly hot and dry weather is expected in most parts of the country, while very hot in central and southern parts with dust raising/gusty winds during the afternoon,” the Pakistan Meteorological Department said on Wednesday.
According to the synoptic situation, continental air was prevailing over most parts of the country.
During the last 24 hours, hot and dry weather prevailed over most parts of the country, and very hot in central and southern parts.
The highest maximum temperatures recorded were: Shaheed Benazirabad and Dadu 48C; Jacobabad, Mohenjo Daro, Larkana, Sibbi and Rohri 47C; and Rahim Yar Khan, Khanpur, Bhakkar, D G Khan, Khairpur, Mithi, Sukkur, Padidan and Sakrand 46C.
CM urges lawyers to resolve their affairs amicably
LAHORE, May 08 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has urged lawyers to amicably resolve their affairs with the Lahore High Court (LHC).
In her message on the social media website ’X’, she said: “I have directed the IG Police to refrain from using force against lawyers”.
Lawyers should also amicably resolve their affairs with the Lahore High Court. Confrontation should be avoided so as to ensure protection of the citizens of Lahore.
Jam Kamal urges Pakistan-Belarus trade boost: Potential yet to be fully exploited
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
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
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
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’
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.