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Sports Minister attends Ghotki sports festival

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SUKKUR, Feb 23 (APP):The second day of the three-day Ghotki Sports Festival, organized by the Sindh Government’s Department of Sports, was attended by Sindh Sports Minister Sardar Muhammad Bakhsh Khan Mahar as the guest of honor on Sunday.
The event was held at the Sports Complex in Ghotki, where Secretary Sports Abdul Aleem Lashari, Deputy Director Mir Muhammad Kalhoro, and District Sports Officers were also present.
The Sports Minister watched competitions between rural women in cricket, futsal, volleyball, hockey, and throwball, as well as between boys in kodiko and futsal. The festival’s closing ceremony will be held tomorrow evening in Khanpur.
The Sindh government has pledged to provide sports facilities and funding to female athletes in rural areas. This initiative aims to encourage more women to participate in sports, promoting positive impacts on their lives. The government is also working to provide sports fields and other necessary facilities in rural areas.
The Sports Minister praised the impressive performances of girls and boys in various sports, noting that women’s cricket and other sports are rapidly progressing globally, with female athletes showcasing their talents worldwide.

3rd Pakistan Labour Academy (PLA) concludes successfully

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KARACHI, Feb 23 (APP):The closing ceremony of the 3rd Pakistan Labour Academy (PLA-3) was held in Karachi, bringing together key stakeholders, policymakers and labour rights advocates, union leaders and government officials.
The event was jointly organized by the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) Pakistan, Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC), and the National Institute of Labour Administration and Training (NILAT).
According to press release issued here by SHRC, over 30 participants from across Pakistan participated in this one-week residential course held from February 16 to February 21.
Dr. Rudiger Lotz, German Consul General in Karachi, graced the event as the chief guest. He emphasized that labour rights are fundamental human rights and stressed the need for young labour unions to be well-versed in both employee and employer rights.
He highlighted Germany’s extensive experience with labour unions and their role in strengthening the economy, noting that Germany heavily relies on supply chain due diligence law which makes Pakistan to comply with the labour and human rights in industrial sector.
Dr. Lotz also pointed out that 85% of Pakistan’s exports to Germany come from the textile sector. He discussed the importance of women’s participation in the workforce, climate change, and improving the work environment through training and workshops.
SHRC Chairperson Iqbal Detho commended FES for its support in empowering workers and urged the leadership of Sindh Labour Department to demonstrate a similar commitment.
He congratulated the participants on successfully completing the course and advocated for a dedicated budget for NILAT’s training programs.
He also proposed the establishment of a Sindh Labour Academy to provide specialized education for labour activists and enhance NILAT’s role in collaboration with the Labour and Human Resources Department.
He further urged the implementation of Sindh’s minimum wage of Rs 37,000 per month and called for a structured dispute resolution system within the labour department.
Muhammad Ali Shaikh, Director General of NILAT, appreciated the efforts of FES-Pakistan and SHRC in organizing a valuable training program for young labour union leaders.
Abdullah Dayo from FES provided an overview of the Academy and added that it is Pakistan’s first ever labour academy whose aim is to build the capacity of young workers on induatrial relations and the protection of labour rights and sustainable economic growth.
The event concluded with the distribution of certificates to participants in recognition of their successful completion of PLA-3 in Karachi.

Vintage car show held

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LAHORE, Feb 23 (APP):In celebration of the Horse and Cattle Show 2025, the Vintage Classic Car Club of Pakistan, in collaboration with PHA, organized a Vintage Car Show at the Polo Ground, GOR-1, here on Sunday.
Over 100 unique cars, scooters, luxury, and expensive vehicles were displayed at the event. Among the notable entries were rare cars like the 1928 Rolls Royce (used by the Nawab of Bahawalpur), 1930 Packard (USA), and 1930 Cadillac (USA). Car enthusiasts from all over participated in the event, capturing memorable photos with these rare and luxury vehicles. International experts, including Olivia Farnse (France), Mrs. Aini Sofi (France), and Fatimi Nasir, along with Kh. Babar Salman from Pakistan, took on the judging duties for the competition.
The event was graced by the presence of Mohsin Ikram, the President of Vintage Classic Car Club of Pakistan, along with families and car lovers from across the country. Owners of the showcased vehicles were awarded trophies and certificates for their meticulous care and maintenance.
The stunning collection of rare vehicles captured the attention of attendees, while the combination of classic and modern cars added to the charm of the event. Organizers highlighted that this car show is a remarkable opportunity for car enthusiasts to view world-famous vintage and classic vehicles up close.

PM leaves for two-day official visit to Azerbaijan

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LAHORE, Feb 23 (APP):Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif departed for an official visit to Azerbaijan on Sunday.
On the invitation of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will undertake a two-day official visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan from February 24 to 25.
This marks Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s second visit to Azerbaijan since assuming office in March 2024. He will be accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar and federal ministers Jam Kamal Khan, Abdul Aleem Khan, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.
During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will hold bilateral meetings with the Azerbaijani President and address a business forum. Discussions will cover areas of mutual interest, including energy, trade, defence, education, and climate cooperation. Multiple memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and agreements will be signed to strengthen collaboration between the two countries.
The Prime Minister’s visit reflects Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening ties with Azerbaijan, fostering broader economic cooperation, and exploring new avenues of partnership for mutual growth and development.

Punjab Air Ambulance rescues 70 patients from far-flung districts

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LAHORE, Feb 23 (APP):The Air Ambulance Service of the Punjab government successfully shifts 70 critical patients from far-flung areas to specialized hospitals for better treatment.
Among them, 38 patients were shifted from Bahawalnagar, 25 from Mianwali, two from Rahim Yar Khan, and one each from Bahawalpur, Parachinar, Karachi, Lahore, and Sialkot. The patients shifted on the Air Ambulance included 54 cardiology, 8 spinal injury, 2 head injury and 6 other ailments.
The spokesperson for Punjab Emergency Services Department said that launching the Air Ambulance Service in Punjab was a challenging task. “It was essential to find a reliable air service capable of providing an air ambulance on just 30 minutes’ notice, ensuring the swift transfer of critically ill and injured patients to specialized hospitals equipped with modern medical facilities. Initially, some air agencies failed to meet the essential emergency response requirements for immediate patient transfers despite several opportunities, making the search for a suitable service provider a challenge,” he added.
However, Punjab now has a fully operational Air Ambulance Service that has so far successfully shifted 70 patients and emerged as a beacon of hope for critical patients of far-flung areas, providing them with the access to specialized treatment especially patients from districts of Bahawalnagar and Mianwali, he maintained.

Three cattle market contractors held for extortion

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MULTAN, Feb 23 (APP):The district administration launched a crackdown at the model cattle market in Jaswant Nagar and arrested three contractors involved in extortion and illegal collection of fees.
On the directions of Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali Bukhari, Assistant Commissioner (AC) City Abdul Sami Sheikh raided the cattle market. During the operation, three contractors involved in extortion and illegal collection of fees were arrested. Multiple unauthorized fee counters at the market’s entry gate were also sealed.
The crackdown was conducted in collaboration with Coordinator to the Chief Minister Punjab Complaint Cell, Umar Farooq Bhatti, and local police officials. The authorities also demolished illegal commission camps and extortion points that had been set up on the market premises.
AC City Abdul Sami Sheikh revealed that several complaints had been received regarding the collection of double fees for bringing livestock into the market. He emphasized that only the official government fees would be applicable and directed the contractors to ensure proper facilities for traders and buyers in exchange for the fees. Commissioner Aamir Karim Khan had earlier assigned the task of addressing complaints related to extortion and corruption. In response, the AC City assured that government fee banners and charts would be prominently displayed across the cattle market to ensure transparency.
“We will ensure that all livestock trading takes place strictly within the designated market boundaries,” said AC City Abdul Sami Sheikh. “The contractors have been warned to adhere to official regulations and provide necessary services accordingly,” he added.

Pak delegation off to China to explore food sector

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LAHORE, Feb 23 (APP):A high-level delegation from South Punjab, led by Shahid Imran, Convener of the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Regional Committee on Food, left for China on Sunday to explore collaborative avenues in the food sector.
Prior to departure, he told reporters that China, being a global leader in food technology and a major importer of agricultural goods, offers significant potential for Pakistani exporters. The delegation would engage in meetings  and site visits to understand China’s advanced practices and identify areas for mutual growth.
This initiative, he said, aligns with Pakistan’s broader strategy to boost its food exports and tap into international markets. The trip is expected to pave the way for long-term collaborations, benefiting both the countries and strengthening their strategic partnership in the food industry.
Shahid Imran said that the delegation comprising industry leaders and agricultural experts, aims to strengthen bilateral ties and foster partnerships with Chinese counterparts. The visit will focuses on enhancing trade, technology transfer, and knowledge sharing in areas such as food processing, agricultural innovation, and value-added products, especially snacks.

Several PEDO projects in final stages of completion: Zubair Khan

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PESHAWAR, Feb 23 (APP):Secretary Energy and Power Muhammad Zubair Khan has said that several ongoing energy projects are in the final stages of completion, which will be helpful for the stability of the economy of province and the development of industrial sector in future.
High-level forums will be contacted soon to solve the problems faced by the energy projects with the federal institutions.
The timely completion of energy projects is in the interest of the province and the people, so the ongoing projects should be completed as soon as possible and the production of electricity should be started.
The most important institution like Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization (PEDO) will be made developed as well as most income generated institution of the province with the support of experts under team work.
He expressed these views in progress review meeting held in PEDO House regarding the pace of work in ongoing energy projects here.
Chief Executive PEDO, Engr. Riaz Ahmed Jan while giving a briefing informed that under the supervision of PEDO, work is currently underway on several energy projects including hydro, solar power and transmission line.
Meanwhile, PEDO has successfully completed 7 hydropower projects, with total 161 megawatts of electricity is being generated, that are earning more than Rs. 4 billion annually, while 12 projects including 300 MW Balakot Mansehra, 157 MW Madyen Swat, 88 MW Gabral Kalam, 84 MW Matiltan Swat, 69 MW Lawi Chitral, 40.8 MW Koto Dir, 11.8 MW Krora Shangla, 10.5 MW Chapri Charkhel Kuram and 6.9 MW Mujahideen Power Project Torghar
.
He said working is going on rapidly in these projects which will generate a total of 778 MW of electricity and the province will have an annual income of more than 45 billion rupees. Most of these projects are in the final stages of completion, CEO Riaz Jan concluded.
Later on, Project Director Solar Engr. Asfandyar gave a briefing and explained that the provincial government has completed plans to transfer 8 thousand schools, 5762 mosques, 6650 houses, 187 primary health units and government buildings including the Chief Minister Secretariat/House and some offices in the Civil Secretariat to solar energy in different districts of province.
He further added that due to solarization system, people and the government are saving millions of rupees in terms of monthly electricity bills. The Chief Minister KP has recently inaugurated 2 big flagship projects costing 55 billion rupees, in which 13,000 government buildings will be converted to solar energy at a cost of 20 billion rupees and 130,000 households at a cost of 35 billion rupees in the next 2 years.
Under the free solar scheme, more than 1 million applications have been received through online system, he concluded.
At the end of the meeting, Secretary E&P expressed his satisfaction with the overall performance of PEDO and strongly warned the concerned authorities that the ongoing energy projects should be completed within the stipulated period.

ITP Issues traffic plan to ensure smooth flow in Islamabad

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 23 (APP):Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Captain Zeeshan Haider of Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has advised citizens to plan an additional 20 minutes for their commute to avoid inconvenience due to designated traffic routes.
A public relations officer told APP on Sunday that CTO Zeeshan stated that traffic on Srinagar Highway is expected to slow down due to the special route.
To ensure smoother travel within the city, CTO Zeeshan Haider urged citizens to use various underpasses and connected service roads. He assured that ITP personnel would be stationed at multiple locations to guide commuters.
Traffic from the Red Zone to Faizabad should use Convention Centre Road and Club Road.
Islam Chowk Bridge will remain open for commuters.
IJP Road will also remain open to facilitate traffic flow.
Traffic coming from B-17 towards Blue Area or F-6 is advised to take Margalla Road.
Commuters from B-15 heading towards Blue Area or F-6 should also use Margalla Road.
Those traveling from H-13 towards Blue Area or F-6 are advised to opt for Margalla Road.
Traffic from G-13 and G-14 towards Blue Area or F-6 should follow the same route via Margalla Road.
For commuters heading to Blue Area from other parts of the city, Ninth Avenue is recommended.
The H-8 underpass is also a suggested route for those traveling towards Blue Area.
Residents of Bhara Kahu traveling to F-6 and Blue Area should take the Convention Centre route via Radio Pakistan checkpoint and NADRA.
For Bhara Kahu residents traveling towards other areas, Margalla Road via NADRA, Marriott, and Express Chowk is advised to reach Convention Centre Road.
Traffic from Zero Point to Park Road should use Shakarparian Road to avoid congestion.
For assistance and inquiries, citizens can contact the Traffic Helpline at 1915. The ITP’s social media platforms are actively providing real-time updates on traffic conditions.

PML-N Karachi urges for healthy working conditions in view of scorching heat

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KARACHI, Feb 23 (APP):Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) Karachi Division General Secretary Nasiruddin Mehmood on Saturday said that the blue-collar workers, who especially work at roadside stalls, stove establishments, tandoors, fruit-carts and other makeshift arrangements must be provided with protective and healthy environment in view of the past’s scorching heat and hot weather.
Mehmood, who is also a member of PML-N Manifesto Committee and Central Working Committee (CWC), as well Convener of Labour Committee urged the government to take steps and provide the workers with proper sheds and environment to protect them from approaching heat like situation particularly in view of upcoming holy month of Ramadan.
He said that Climate Change had negative impacts on our lives and the scorching conditions could put the human life at risk.
He said that the government should make measures for the survival of workers in the hot weather, which had also been witnessed in the past.
Mehmood said that healthy steps could pave way for human survival and the dream of a healthy society can be achieved. He said that these steps could also help put positive impact on the lives of the workers.

Dry weather, light rain forecast for Sindh

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KARACHI, Feb 23 (APP):Pakistan Meteorological Department on Sunday predicted dry weather and light rain in most districts of the Sindh province during the next 24 hours.
Partly cloudy is predicted in upper districts with chances of light rain at isolated places in Sukkur, Jacobabad, Ghotki, Kashmore and their surroundings during evening or night.

Turkiye keen to boost bilateral trade with Pakistan: Ambassador

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SIALKOT, Feb 23 (APP):Ambassador of Republic of Turkiye in Pakistan Irfan Neziroglu has said that his country is keen to boost mutual trade with Pakistan, and pledged to help remove all hurdles to it.
He stated this during an important meeting with Sialkot exporters at the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI). SCCI President Ikram-ul-Haq, Vice President (VP) Omer Khalid and Sialkot business community representatives were also present. The ambassador expressed hope that the trade volume between Pakistan and Turkiye would grow significantly in the near future. He assured his full commitment and support for further strengthening ties between the two countries and stressed that Turkiye was making efforts for enhancing and strengthening its economic ties with Pakistan. “Sialkot is the hometown of Allama Iqbal and Iqbal is our common hero,” he added.
The ambassador highlighted key potential sectors for collaboration, including education, textiles, leather and pharmaceuticals. “Entrepreneurs of both countries should know each other more and work hard to expand trade and economic relations while the embassy will fully cooperate in the efforts,” he said and stressed the importance of joint ventures, business-to-business (B2B) interactions and sector-specific meetings between both countries. He added that regular exchange of trade delegations would be crucial in exploring untapped potential. “I believe that commercial relations will make it easy for political, cultural and other relations. I will motivate the Turkiye business community to buy Sialkot-made products directly from Sialkot instead of purchasing them indirectly from other countries at high prices. The bonds between the people of Pakistan and Turkey are strong and enduring, with both nations standing by each other through thick and thin,” he maintained.
He said that Pakistan and Turkiye are two brotherly countries having centuries-old relationship. “The Turkish people have great love for Pakistani brethren.” The ambassador showed keen interest in SCCI’s documentary “Sialkot, the City of Progressive People”, which was screened during the meeting.
Speaking on the occasion, Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) President Ikram-ul-Haq said that there was a huge potential to increase the volume of bilateral trade. “Sialkot is an important economic hub and totally export-oriented city of the country. Sialkot represents an industrial setup producing specialized products that are supplied to top brands and buyers all over the world. We produce sports goods, surgical instruments, leather products, gloves of all sorts, textiles items, sports wear, martial arts uniform and accessories, musical instruments, kitchen ware & table ware, hollow ware, hunting knives, table cutlery/flatware, and military uniform badges,” he added. He said that Sialkot-made footballs, field hockey sticks, cricket gear and boxing gloves were used in international games including the Olympics and World Cups.
Earlier, the ambassador visited several leading industrial units in Sialkot. He witnessed the craftsmanship of artisans and took keen interest in the production process of spots goods and surgical instruments.

Furniture industry stakeholders to review budget proposals

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Mian Kashif Ashfaq
LAHORE, Feb 23 (APP):The Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) is going to convene a special meeting of all stakeholders to review and consolidate their budget proposals for submission to the federal government.
Talking to media here Sunday, the PFC Chief Executive Officer Mian Kashif Ashfaq added that the meeting aims to address key challenges and opportunities within the furniture industry, ensuring that the sector’s needs are adequately represented in the upcoming national budget. Stakeholders including manufacturers, exporters, designers, and industry experts, would assemble to discuss strategies for growth, innovation, and sustainability.
He emphasized the importance of aligning the budget proposals with the government’s economic policies to foster a conducive environment for the furniture industry. Key agenda items would be tax reforms, incentives for local manufacturing, export promotion, and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The council also plans to highlight the need for infrastructure development, skill enhancement programmes, and access to affordable raw materials. This collaborative efforts underscore the PFC’s commitment to strengthen furniture industry, which plays a vital role in Pakistan’s economy, he remarked.

AIOU holds seminar on ‘Cancer Awareness’

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 23 (APP):Allama Iqbal Open University(AIOU) has organized a national seminar on ‘Cancer Awareness’.
Dr. Muhammad Kashif, Associate Surgeon (Oncologist) at Federal Government Polyclinic Hospital was the chief guest, while it was presided over by Dr. Zaheer Ahmed, Chairman of the Department of Nutritional Sciences & Environmental Design.
During his lecture on cancer, Dr. Muhammad Kashif emphasized the importance of recognizing early symptoms to effectively combat the disease. While discussing the causes, stages, types, symptoms, and treatment strategies for cancer, he highlighted key warning signs, including lumps in any part of the body, non-healing ulcers or wounds, coughing up blood, persistent indigestion, blood in urine or stool, and unexpected vaginal bleeding. He stressed the need to consult a doctor if such symptoms appear, as early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.
Dr. Kashif further stated that the most common type of cancer among women is breast cancer, while in men, prevalent forms include prostate, lung, intestinal, stomach, and blood cancers. He added that if diagnosed in the early stages, many types of cancer can be successfully treated.
The seminar was organized by the Department of Nutritional Sciences & Environmental Design under the Faculty of Sciences, with Dr. Mehpara Jadoon serving as the event coordinator.

ADT Rumanza Open Pakistan concludes

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 23 (APP):The Pakistan Golf Federation (PGF) successfully concluded the ADT Rumanza Open Pakistan at Rumanza Golf and Country Club.
The prestigious championship, featuring a total prize purse of $85,000, witnessed participation from 37 international players alongside Pakistan’s professional card holders recognized by PGF, said a press release.
The four-day event, played over 72 holes, saw Ahmed Baig successfully defend his title, clinching the championship trophy once again with a remarkable performance.
Project Director Brigadier Ahmed Ghumman extended heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Pakistan, PGF sponsors, Asian Tour and the management of Rumanza Golf and Country Club for their unwavering support and contribution towards the successful conduct of the championship.
A significant highlight of this year’s championship was the inclusion of five TARS-qualified referees from Pakistan who became part of the Asian Tour officiating team. The referees included Maj Rao Muhammad Ismail, Omar Javed Rao, Col Tahir Ayub, Col Zahid Iqbal, and Malik Mohammad Kamran from PGF.
The closing ceremony was graced by Lt Gen Qazi Muhammad Ikram Ahmed, President of PGF, who attended the occasion as the Chief Guest and congratulated all participants, officials, and organizers for hosting an international event of such high standard.

Bangladesh vs New Zealand: Rawalpindi gears up for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

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RAWALPINDI, Feb 23 (APP):The First match of the ICC  Champions Trophy 2025 in Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will be played between Bangladesh and New Zealand teams on Monday.
Besides interesting point table positions of the participating teams, the citizens of Rawalpindi are desperate to watch the match.
All arrangements by the government have been completed regarding foolproof security, traffic flow, spectators entry points at the stadium and check points.
The spokesman police informed APP that more than 5000 police officials, contingents of Dolphins and Elite Force and expert sniper squads on important rooftops, have been deployed. Moreover, the security measures are fully collaborated with Pak Army, Rangers and other security agencies to provide the best environment for cricket fans.
The spectators arriving at the stadium to watch the matches will have to strictly follow the SOPs devised by the security establishment.
Triple security check points and walk-through gates are the standard entry procedures while bringing any kind of unauthorized equipment is strictly banned.
The city will host two more important matches of the tournament; Australia vs South Africa, and Pakistan vs Bangladesh scheduled on 25th and 27th February. All the matches will be played in day-night format providing an enormous opportunity to the spectators for sporting entertainment.
Hosting Champions Trophy matches has put a new zeal among the residents of Rawalpindi, a city that has contributed various cricket heroes including Miran Bakhsh, Shoaib Akhtar, Shadab Khan, Sohail Tanvir, Yasir Arafat, Muhammad Wasim and many others.

National Cricket team must perform it’s best to defeat India today, CM Murad says

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KARACHI, Feb 23 (APP):The Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah has expressed his best wishes for the national cricket team to win over India in the ICC Champions Trophy, here on Sunday.
He said, ‘Today’s match is very important and it is hoped that the national team will play with full enthusiasm.’
 The Chief Minister said that the entire nation prays for the victory of the Shaheens.
  He said that the national team must perform at its best today.

CTP finalize all arrangements to regulate traffic on city roads during Champions Trophy matches

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RAWALPINDI, Feb 23 (APP):City Traffic Police (CTP) Rawalpindi have finalized all arrangements to regulate traffic on city road during Champions Trophy matches to be played at Rawalpindi cricket stadium.
According to a CTP spokesman, CTP on the directives of Chief Traffic Officer, Rawalpindi Beenish Fatima have also finalized arrangements and implemented a comprehensive and organized traffic plan for the Champions Trophy practice match at the cricket stadium on Sunday, Feb 23.
CTP have devised a special plan for maintaining smooth traffic flow on the city roads during the Champion Trophy matches scheduled to begin at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Feb 23.
Some 367 traffic police personnel, including DSPs/Circle in-charges, inspectors/sector in-charges and wardens would be on roads to maintain traffic flow during the matches to be played from Feb 23 to Feb 27, Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Beenish Fatima said.
The CTO said additional personnel have been deployed to keep the traffic flowing on alternate routes during the movement of cricket teams.
The Murree Road, she said, would be completely closed from Faizabad to Double Road at the time of arrival and departure of the cricket teams from the stadium.
During the time, the traffic coming from Islamabad to Rawalpindi would be diverted from Faizabad to Expressway, while the traffic from Rawalpindi would be able to enter Islamabad via Saidpur Road using 6th Road. Similarly, the traffic from Ghousia Chowk would be diverted to the Kurry Road via Farooq Azam Road.
She said during the match, the Stadium Road, from 9th Avenue Chowk to Double Road Turn, would remain fully closed for traffic.
The traffic coming from Islamabad via 9th Avenue would be able to enter Rawalpindi through Expressway via Faizabad, and IJP Road from Pindora Chungi, Katarian, Carriage Factory and Pirwadhai Mor Chowk, while those going to 9th Avenue from Murree Road via Double Road would enter Islamabad from Faizabad.
The CTO said five spaces had been specified for parking of vehicles, from where the shuttle service arranged by the district administration would carry spectators to the stadium.
She said the CTP would have displayed banners at different places for the awareness of people about alternate routes during the cricket match.
The public could also get guidance in that regard from the CTP’s social media pages and FM radio station, she added.
Beenish urged the citizens to cooperate with the traffic police for smooth flow of traffic on city roads during the cricket matches.
Special arrangements have been made to ensure smooth flow of traffic on alternative routes during the matches and movement of the players. The citizens would also be provided with all information about diversion points and traffic situation through the official social media pages of Traffic Police @ctprwp and FM radio stations, Beenish Fatima added.

DC for eleborate security measures for Champions Trophy matches

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 23 (APP):Deputy Commissioner (DC) Islamabad, Irfan Nawaz Memon has chaired a high-level security review meeting in preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy matches at Rawalpindi Stadium.
The meeting focused on ensuring robust safety protocols for teams, spectators, and the surrounding areas.
Key stakeholders, including police and security agencies, participated to finalize arrangements and address potential challenges.
The meeting was attended by representatives from various security agencies, including the police, to discuss and evaluate safety measures for the international cricket event.
A major focus was on traffic management during the matches, with specific routes being assessed to minimize disruptions and ensure smooth movement.
According to the briefing provided by the Islamabad Police, over 900 surveillance cameras will be deployed to monitor the movement of cricket teams and the public. Continuous 24-hour surveillance will cover routes from the airport to hotels, the stadium, and surrounding areas.
Additionally, drone cameras, 202 body-worn cameras, and vehicle tracking systems will be utilized to enhance security coverage across all routes and accommodations.
The DC emphasized the need for foolproof security arrangements, instructing officials to leave no room for error. The comprehensive plan includes monitoring all access points, residential areas, and critical infrastructure to ensure a safe environment for players, officials, and fans.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of coordination among security agencies to address any potential threats swiftly. With the Champions Trophy being a high-profile event, the authorities are committed to maintaining a secure and hassle-free experience for everyone involved.
The collaborative efforts of law enforcement and security agencies aim to deliver a safe and seamless event, ensuring that cricket enthusiasts can enjoy the matches without concerns.

H-9 Itwar bazaar popular shopping point offers affordable prices

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By Tayyab Zarif
ISLAMABAD, Feb 23 (APP):Itwar Bazar, also known as the Sunday Market, is a lively shopping spot in Islamabad’s H-9 sector. Famous for its wide variety of affordable goods, the market offers fresh produce, second-hand clothing, electronics, household items, and more. It operates on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.
Shoppers can find everything from fresh fruits, vegetables, and spices to used clothes, toys, gadgets, and home essentials. The market is also a hotspot for street food vendors serving up local favorites.
Kamran Raza, the in-charge of the bazar, told APP that the stalls are organized into sections from A to H, with a total of 2,743 stalls.
At Itwar Bazar in Islamabad, a portion of the stalls was specifically allocated for female vendors.
According to Raza, approximately 100 to 150 stalls were set aside for women, offering them a dedicated space to run their businesses. This initiative helps promote women’s participation in the local economy and ensures they have access to a fair and organized environment within the market.
The stall allocation process is typically done through a transparent balloting system, where the stalls are fairly distributed among the vendors. This method ensures an organized and fair approach to the distribution of market spaces.
The stalls at Itwar Bazar are available in different sizes, with the smallest stalls measuring 8×8 feet, priced at 15,780, and the larger stalls measuring 16×16 feet, with a price of 62,000. Stalls are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring a fair distribution of space among vendors. This allocation system allows vendors to secure their preferred stall size based on availability and demand, he further said.
Meanwhile, during the construction of the metro station for the H-9 stop, several stalls located along the Metro Bus route were demolished to accommodate the new infrastructure. As new roads and bus stations were built, the layout of the market was altered, resulting in changes to the space allocation and adjustments in the way the market operated.
Vendors whose stalls were demolished had to be relocated to other parts of the market or surrounding areas. The authorities likely made efforts to compensate or assist vendors, but the demolitions did cause temporary disruptions to the market’s operations.
“During the construction of metro stop, some stalls at ‘section A’ were demolished but, later relocated at the same section.” he said.
The administration of bazar has developed a strict system for prices of the goods like prices of the vegetable, fruits and etc. After determination of prices, the list of prices of goods was distributed to the stalls for compliance.
He also mentioned that approximately 8,000 to 10,000 vehicles move in and out of the market area for shopping especially on Sunday.
This highlights the significant volume of shoppers and the high demand for goods at the market, making it a key commercial hub in Islamabad.
Most importantly, the use of single-use plastic bags has been banned in the bazaar, emphasizing the market’s commitment to sustainability. This initiative highlights the bazaar’s focus on being environmentally friendly and contributing to a cleaner, more user-friendly shopping experience.