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Interior Minister condemns terrorist incident in Gawdar

By
AHMD Raja
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Mohsin Naqvi
ISLAMABAD, May 09 (APP):Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the terrorist incident in Gwardar on Thursday.
Minister Naqvi expressed deep sorrow and grief over the killing of 7 people in the heinous incident.
He expressed his heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and said that government equally shares the grief of the bereaved families and standing with the grieving families in the hour of sorrow.
Beasts who play with the lives of innocent people do not deserve to be called human beings, said the minister in his message.
“We are committed to the complete elimination of the scourge of terrorism” Mohsin Naqvi said.

Foreign exchange rates

By
AHMD Raja
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Exchange rates
KARACHI, May 09 (APP):The Exchange Rates Committee of Financial Markets Association of Pakistan issued the following Exchange rates bulletin, here on Thursday.
CONVERSION RATES FOR May 09, 2024 FOR FOREIGN CURRENCY FOR FORWARD COVER FOR DEPOSITS (EXCLUDING FE 25 DEPOSITS)
SBP SETTLEMENT VALUE DATE May 13, 2024
     USD      278.0000
     GBP      346.6382
     EUR      298.4608
     JPY        1.7894

No soft-pedaling of May 9 incidents; no absolution for orchestrators: PM

By
NNPS Desk
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pm shehbaz

ISLAMABAD, May 09 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reiterated that there could absolutely be no soft-pedaling of what happened on May 9 and no absolution for those who orchestrated, supported, and assisted the attempt to damage the foundations of the nation.

On the first anniversary of the May 9 incidents, the prime minister took to X saying, “One year ago today, not only were symbols of our national pride and honor attacked, but the sanctity of our sacred homeland was also assaulted.”

“Let not the shadows of lies, hide the light of truth… Love of our country demands nothing less,” he remarked.

In another post, the prime minister had said that May 9 was a day that separated two distinct mindsets – one that sacrificed for the country and the other that betrayed the nation for personal gains.

“One year has passed, but the nation has not forgotten its betrayers and will never forget them, he added.

Israeli forces bringing war to the occupied West Bank, warns UN rights office

By
NNPS Desk
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OHCHR

UNITED NATIONS, May 08 (APP): Amid raging war in Gaza, Israeli atrocities against Palestinians in the Occupied West Bank have increased substantially, a senior official with the UN human rights office, OHCHR, said on Wednesday.

“The Israeli defence force (IDF) is acting as if there is an armed conflict in the West Bank,” Ajith Sunghay, head of the OHCHR Office in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, told UN News, a media website.

He said the situation there was already very dire even before hostilities erupted in Gaza on Oct 7.

Last year was the deadliest ever for Palestinians in the West Bank since the UN began keeping records in 2005, and there was also a spike in violations including settler violence, excessive use of force by the IDF, demolitions and evictions.

Demolitions were reported on Tuesday in the northern village of Furush Beit Dajan, the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA, said on social media.

Sunghay said that while global attention has been focused on Gaza, the intensity and frequency of violations increased in the West Bank.

“If we talk about the number of people killed or injured, either because of these massive incursions by the IDF into the West Bank – particularly in Tulkarem, Jenin, Nablus; sometimes into Jericho and other parts as well – that spiked up,” he said.

The number of people detained has also “spiked up massively”, reaching close to 9,000, he added.

He noted that “whatever happens in Gaza has a massive impact on the West Bank,” and vice versa, “because they’re the same people”.

“We now see huge fear among the population of the West Bank, as well, on a regular basis worried about incursions, worried about raids, worried about arrest and detention, worried about settler violence and, of course, with massive significant movement restrictions, that impacts their day-to-day life.”

9th May to be remembered as a dark day in Pakistan’s history: President Zardari

By
Ali Ali
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ISLAMABAD, May 8 (APP):President Asif Ali Zardari has said that 9th May 2023, will always be remembered as a dark day in Pakistan’s history when a politically instigated mob ran amok across the country, damaging public property and military installations.
Condemning the violence, he said that the unfortunate incidents severely tarnished the country’s image, which only served the interests of Pakistan’s enemies.
The president, in his message, termed the mob attacks an attempt to challenge the writ of the state, undermine the rule of law and weaken the institutions.
He said that peaceful demonstrations and constructive criticism were the essence of democracy, emphasizing that Pakistan’s Constitution enshrined the fundamental rights of assembly and expression.
Nonetheless, he stressed the vital importance of exercising “these rights with utmost responsibility, adhering strictly to the bounds of constitutional and legal provisions”.
He affirmed that any attempt to misuse “these rights to incite violence will never be tolerated. We have never seen such vandalism in responsible democracies, with violent mobs wreaking havoc on state properties for political gains.”
The president expressed pride in Pakistan’s Armed Forces and its institutions, which had been a vanguard in defending the nation against various threats.
He emphasised that those responsible for the May 9 violence should be held accountable according to the law.
President Zardari observed that Pakistan faced numerous challenges, and such irresponsible acts by political forces not only hindered the progress achieved as a nation but further exacerbated socio-economic challenges.
“The current political situation demands that all political parties work towards promoting tolerance, democratic values, and political dialogue, and provide a clear direction to the nation.”
The president urged political parties, the Parliament, the media, and civil society to strengthen democracy by upholding the rule of law, and fostering a culture of tolerance, political dialogue and inclusivity.
He also condemned the malicious social media campaign against state institutions, saying that a mechanism should be evolved to check and counter such disinformation campaigns.
The president highlighted the need to harness the potential of youth for the country’s benefit, rather than instigating them against state institutions. He also called for collective efforts to build a better future for generations to come and putting an end to political polarization and hatred.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Qatar to visit Pakistan on Thursday (May 9)

By
Najam ul Hassan
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ISLAMABAD, May 8 (APP): Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi will visit Pakistan on Thursday, May 9, as a special envoy of the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the State of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrehman bin Jassim Al Thani.

In Islamabad, the Minister of State will call on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and on Deputy Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, a Foreign Office statement said.

Pakistan and Qatar have longstanding and multifaceted bilateral relations characterized by high-level exchanges and visits.

Using politics as cover to harm national institutions not acceptable: GB CM

By
NNPS Desk
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GIlGIT, May 08 (APP): Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan on Wednesday said that using politics as a cover to harm national institutions, spread chaos, and promote hatred in the country was not acceptable.

The GB chief minister, in a statement in connection with the 9th May 2023 tragic incidents, said,” A year has passed since the darkest day when some miscreants, under the guise of politics, spread hate and violence, attacking national institutions, defence installations, and memorials.

He said every person had the right to do politics and to vote, but using politics as a cover to harm national institutions, spread chaos, and promote hatred was never acceptable.

Strongly condemning the tragic incidents of May 9, he called for strict action against the miscreants.

On that day, he said, an attempt was made to create a rift between the army and the people and politics was used as a cover for violence.

“I hope that our nation and young generation will reject this hybrid warfare and have faith in their national institutions, moving forward with positive thinking, while avoiding hate, discrimination, and violence in the name of politics,” the GB CM concluded.

PM draws line between national heroes and traitors on May 9

By
Najam ul Hassan
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PM shehbaz

ISLAMABAD, May 8 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that May 9 was a day that separated two distinct mindsets – one that sacrificed for the country and the other that betrayed the nation for personal gains.

One year has passed, but the nation has not forgotten its betrayers and will never forget them, he wrote on his X timeline.

The prime minister maintained that “on one hand, we have the great sons of the soil, their families, and the patriotic people who have shed their blood for the country, on the other hand, we have those who are consumed by the fire of hatred and have no regard for the national interests, institutions, constitution, or laws”.

“We promise to the country, the great martyrs, their heirs, and the nation that May 9 will never be forgotten”, he said adding “we must move forward, overcome the challenges, and create a bright future for our future generations”.

He said this day served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our heroes and the treachery of those who betrayed the nation.

“Let us honor the memories of our martyrs and continue our journey towards progress and prosperity.”

Tarar assures APNS to resolve issues of newspaper industry

By
Shumaila Andleeb
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ISLAMABAD, May 8 (APP): Federal Minister of Information Attaullah Tarar has said the federal government gives utmost importance to the development of print media and vowed to amicably resolve the problems faced by newspapers.

The information minister expressed these views as he attended a meeting of the Executive Committee of All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) held here, which was presided over by APNS President Naz Afreen Sehgal Lakhani.

Tarar acknowledged the role of print media in countering fake news and said media was playing an important role in the country. He assured the APNS members for resolution of the problems faced by the newspaper industry.

Secretary General APNS Sarmad Ali welcomed the federal minister and apprised him of the problems faced by the print media. He emphasized increase in rates of the government’s advertisements and the initial payment of the arrears of the member publications, said a statement issued by APNS.

The APNS officials stressed the need for removing the hurdles in renewal of registration through the Press Registrar Office and urged simplification of the procedure.

The meeting also discussed implementation of regional quota of advertisements and called for exemption of General Sales Tax, customs and duties on import of printing stuff such as ink and printing plates in the upcoming budget.

The meeting was attended by Naz Afrin Sehgul Lakhani (President), Imtenan Shahid (Senior Vice President), Sarmad Ali (General Secretary), S.M. Munir Jilani (Joint Secretary), Waseem Ahmed (Daily Awam Quetta), Mohsin Bilal (Daily Ausaf), Humayun Tariq ( (Daily Business Report), Ansar Mehmood Bhatti (Monthly Center Line), Muhammad Waqaruddin (Daily Dunya), Javed Mehr Shamsi (Daily Kaleem), Rukhsana Saulat Salimi (Weekly Nikhar), Bilal Mehmood (Daily Nawai Waqt), Sardar Khan Niazi (Daily Business Report), Magazine Naya Rukh, Faisal Zahid Malik (Daily Pakistan Observer), Humayun Gulzar (Daily Siasat), Irfan Athar (Daily Tejarat), Syed Haroon Shah (Daily Wahdat), and Nasir Dad Baloch (Daily Sindh Sujag).

Mehtab Khan (Daily Ausaf) and Tahir Mughal (Daily Nawa-i-Pak) attended the meeting as special observers.

Fauzia Shaheen (Monthly Dastak), Zahida Abbasi (Nau Saj Daily), Mohsin Syal (Aftab Daily), and Tahir Qureshi (Nawa-i-Ufaq) joined through the Zoom meeting.

CDWP recommends 3 projects to ECNEC for approval

By
NNPS Desk
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0
CDWP

ISLAMABAD, May 08 (APP): The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) on Wednesday recommended three projects worth Rs 126 billion to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for approval.

The CDWP met her with Mohammad Jehanzeb Khan, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission in the chair, said a press release.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Planning Awais Manzur Sumra, members of the Planning Commission, Additional Secretary Planning, as well as representatives from federal ministries and provincial governments.

Two projects related to transport & communications sector were presented in the meeting. The first project pertained to up-gradation and widening of Jaglot -Skardu Road 164 km (2nd revised) worth Rs 33,270.600 million referred to ECNEC for further consideration.

The project is executed on EPC / Turnkey basis. The revised project envisages widening, up-gradation and improvement of existing 167 km Jaglot Skardu road (S- 1).

The existing road with varying width of 3.8 m to 4.0 m will be widened to 8.5 m and 12.3 m formation width with allied structures and facilities. Around 47% length of the road (78.3 km) will be designed with carriageway width of 7.3 m (rolling terrain) and 53% length of road (88.7 km) will be designed with carriageway width of 6.1 m (hilly terrain).

The scope of work includes construction of 21 new bridges and culverts to replace causeways along with allied facilities. The earlier 1st revised PC-I was accorded approval with slight difference in scope as follows;

Around 30% length of the road (50 km) will be designed for speed of 70 ~ 90 km/hr with carriageway width of 7.3 m (rolling terrain) and 70% length of road (114 km) will be designed for speed of 40 ~ 60 km/hr with carriageway width of 6.1 m (hilly terrain).

The scope of work includes construction of 20 new bridges and 40 culverts along with allied facilities.

The second project was “Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of N-5 from Moro to Ranipur km 318 – 404 (NBC/SBC) and 32 x damaged Bridges under ADB Flood Emergency Loan (Revised)” worth Rs. 57,245.400 million referred to ECNEC for further consideration.

The project shall be financed through Special Financing in the Form of Flood Emergency Loan from Asian Development Bank amounting to US $150 Million. (Average exchange rate is 279). Equivalent to Rs. 41,850.0 million in terms of Pak Rupee. The Revised PC-I envisages, rehabilitation / reconstruction of 86-kilometer long and 7.3-meter wide with 03-meter wide outer TST Shoulder and 01-meter wide asphaltic shoulder on either side from Moro to Ranipur in the Districts of Naushehro Feroz and Khairpur Mir’s of Sindh Province.

The project includes 32-bridges i.e construction of 09-bridges and rehabilitation of 23-bridges, on NHA Network all over the Country i.e National Highways & Motorway (M-8) (N-95, N-25, N-50, N-65, N-5, N- 55, N-15, N-35), all over the Country.

Based on the information received from the Site Authorities regarding extent of damages and inundation and information gathered through field visits, the Project has been divided into 14 Lots, restoration of which is proposed under funding from ADB Emergency Loan.

A project related to Health was presented in the meeting namely “Prime Minister’s Programme for Elimination of Hepatitis C Infection” worth Rs. 35,411.950 million referred to ECNEC for further consideration.

The project partners China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) and Ministry of Planning Development & Special Initiatives.

The source of funding is 195 million Chinese Yuan (to screen 50% of the target population, and the government of Pakistan, through the Public Sector Development Program, will cover the cost of remaining 50% of the population screening for Hepatitis C. the project intends to screen 100% of the population in two phases. In the first phase, districts with a high prevalence of Hepatitis C will be included, whereas the remaining 50% will be covered in the next phase.

The target will be to eliminate Hepatitis C from Pakistan by 2030.

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