Body found

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MULTAN, Jan 25 (APP):The body of an unidentified man was found near Six Trapai near Vehari Road on Saturday.

According to Rescue-1122, a call was received at the control room regarding the presence of a body. A Rescue team found the body of an unidentified man buried in a pit. After completing initial legal formalities, Rescue teams shifted the body to Nishtar Hospital.

Local police have launched an investigation to ascertain the identity of the deceased.

Pakistan, Bangladesh strengthen ties in healthcare collaboration

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Asif Jalal

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LAHORE, Jan 25 (APP):Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has highlighted the close and friendly diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh during a luncheon held in honour of the delegation from the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons (BCPS) at a local hotel on Saturday.

Welcoming the delegation, the minister said that under the vision of Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the first female Chief Minister of Punjab, the government is striving to provide state-of-the-art healthcare facilities to the people. He shared details about ongoing health initiatives, including the construction of the 915-bed Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research in Lahore, the largest government-run facility of its kind in Pakistan’s history.

He said that the visit shared commitment of Pakistan and Bangladesh to advancing medical education and healthcare, paving the way for strengthened collaboration in the health sector.

Additionally, he mentioned that modern Nawaz Sharif Institutes of Cardiology are being established in Lahore and Sargodha to improve access to cardiac care. The Chief Minister’s flagship programs, such as the Children’s Heart Surgery Program, the Transplant Initiative, and the Dialysis Program, were also highlighted as part of the government’s commitment to public welfare.

Senior Vice President of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP) and Vice Chancellor of Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Professor Khalid Masood Gondal, expressed gratitude to Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique for attending the event and congratulated the newly elected office bearers of BCPS.

During the luncheon, the delegation, led by BCPS President Professor Muhammad Shahidullah, discussed healthcare initiatives, modern reforms, and matters of mutual interest with the minister. The delegation also visited the Pakistan College of Physicians and Surgeons Lahore Center to review its educational activities, which they appreciated.

The event concluded with an exchange of gifts between the provincial health minister and the Bangladeshi delegation, symbolizing the goodwill between the two nations.

The luncheon was attended by prominent medical professionals, including Vice Chancellor of King Edward Medical University Professor Mahmood Ayaz, Professor Rashid Latif Khan, and other senior faculty members. The Bangladeshi delegation included Vice President Professor Kohinoor Begum, Secretary Professor Major General (Retd) Ali Mian, and council members Professor Tehmina Begum and Muhammad Kamal Hussain.

UNDP scales up provincial launch of NHDR 2024 for digital transformation in Pakistan

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Asif Jalal

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LAHORE, Jan 25 (APP):Together with Punjab Information Technology Board and CODE Pakistan, the UNDP Pakistan held the 2nd provincial launch of its flagship Pakistan National Human Development Report (NHDR) 2024, ‘Doing Digital for Development – Access, Adopt, Anticipate, Accelerate.”

The UNDP was represented by Assistant Resident Representative (ARR) Ammara Durrani, with PITB represented by DG IT Waqar Naeem Qureshi and ADG PITB Qazi Afzal. UNDP’s digital partner Jazz, and stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, students, and tech entrepreneurs attended the event.

“Digital technologies offer Pakistan the fastest path to improving its Human Development Index ranking,” highlighted UNDP ARR Ammara Durrani.

Earlier, UNDP launched the latest edition of NHDR 2024 in Islamabad on Doing Digital for Development: Access, Adopt, Anticipate, and Accelerate which focuses on the fact that in an increasingly interconnected world, the integration of digital technologies has the power to bridge gaps, empower communities, and drive economic growth. It furthermore argues that without equitable access to digital technology, Pakistan’s human development outcomes will remain low and under-served. Now, in the post-launch phase, the NHDR aims to continue building momentum on Pakistan’s digital development agenda by convening a national dialogue based on the Report’s findings.

The event featured its signature “Tech Tales,” moderated by Executive Director of CODE Pakistan, Mr. Dilawar Khan, along with women entrepreneurs who shared their journeys of using digital tools to elevate their businesses and their stories of ‘persistence amidst resistance.’

“We need domain champions and ‘man on the moon’ resolve to achieve Pakistan’s digital transformation,” said Punjab PITB DG IT Waqar Naeem Qureshi. “NHDR is not just a report, it is hope for Pakistan,” added PITB ADG Qazi Afzal.

The event also featured “Digitalks” session with speakers from Managing Director Punjab Safe City Authority, Muhammad Ahsan Younis; Anoosha Shaigan, CEO, Courtning the Law;

Ali Fahad Ahmed, Head of Marketing Jazz; and Munizae Jahangir, Journalist and TV Anchor

showcasing digital platforms designed to connect citizens with services such as Safe City, Human Rights, Access To Justice, Digital Inclusion, and Financial Inclusion, all aimed at supporting vulnerable groups in remote areas.

The session explored the transformative potential of digitalizing the legal system to democratize justice. The benefits include increased access to legal information, enhanced efficiency in judicial processes, reduced costs, and making justice more affordable and accessible. Digital tools can also facilitate public participation and improve service delivery. Successful digitalization requires overcoming these obstacles to create a more transparent, efficient, and inclusive justice system. The session also covered how factors such as the digital divide, cyber security, privacy concerns, resistance to change, and robust regulatory frameworks need to be addressed to facilitate this process.

SZABIST University will hold annually Convocation on 29th January

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Asif Jalal

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LARKANA, Jan 25 (APP):The Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST)University Larkana Campus will hold its annual convocation ceremony on January 29, 2025, at Sachal Banquet to honor the achievements of its graduating students.

A total of 177 students will receive degrees across various programs. The Chief Guest will be Honorable Asif Ahmed Shaikh, Vice Chancellor of Sukkur Institute of Business Administration (IBA).

During the event, Gold and Silver Medals will be awarded to top-performing students in both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Additionally, 41 students will be recognized on the Chancellor’s Honor Roll for exceptional academic performance.

PTI Govt. deprives KP’s people of development: Engr Amir Muqam

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Asif Jalal

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Adviser to PM Engr Amir Muqam signing final protocol of 20th Ministers of Culture of Member State of Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

PESHAWAR, Jan 25 (APP):Federal Minister for States and Frontier Regions, Gilgit Baltistan and Kashmir Affairs, Engr Amir Muqam said here Saturday that Pakistan Tahrik e Insaf (PTI) has deprived people of Khyber Pakthunkhwa of development and failed to deliver on all fronts despite of 11 years rule.

Addressing a press conference on occasion of rejoining of former Provincial Minister Rehmat Salam Khattak of PMLN, Engr Amir Muqam said that PTI government had halted work on scores of developing projects launched by the previous PMLN Govt which was great injustice to the people.

He said had PTI Government not halted Chakdara-Madain and Khwazakhela-Bisham Motorways and Dir-Chitral expressway?

He questioned that where was PTI’s KP leaders when Imran Govt was ruling the country to address the issues of net hydel profit arrears.

Engr Amir Muqam said that addressing the issue of Kurram was the prime responsibility of KP Govt and assured full support of the Federal Govt in its resolution.

Engr Amir Muqam recounted the major achievement of Nawaz Sharif Govt especially in construction of motorways, making the country’s load shedding free, defeating terrorism, bringing peace to KP and Karachi.

He said that Shahbaz Sharif Govt’s prudent economic policies has slashed price hike to four digit, stock exchange achieved record growth and saved the country’s from an imminent default.

Engr Amir Muqam maintained that instead to compete in devolopment and performance with other provinces, the PTI leadership has started protest demonstrations at Islamabad to get relief for convicted PTI founder.

He said the people of Pakistan knew that PTI leadership was making politics on the name of their convicted leader by chanting hallow slogans for his release.

Engr Amir Muqam said that Govt has started negotiations on the request of the PTI with sincerity and an open heart.

However, PTI did not reciprocate well to the Govt positive measures and unliterally announced closing of talks, which spoke about its non-seriousness.

Engr Amir Muqam welcomed Rehmat Salam Khattak for rejoining of the PMLN.

PMLN leader Capt Retired Muhammad Safdar highlighted Nawaz Sharif Govt achievements and hinted that Nawaz Sharif would soon start mass contact campaign from Abbottabad in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He said that people of Khyber Pakthunkhwa were deprived of quality education and healthcare facilities besides clean drinking water and that KP was pushed towards backwardness during 11 years rule of PTI.

He said poor governance and rampage of corruption had kept KP underdeveloped.

On the other hands, he said that PMLN Govt had constructed Hazara Motorway, Lowari Tunnel Chitral, Nawaz Sharif Kidney Hospital Swat, Turbella IV, Danash Schools System and made Pakistan’s defence impregnable.

He said that youth of Khyber Pakthunkhwa wanted jobs rather agitation and could not be deceived further on hallow slogans.

Rehmat Salam Khattak expressed happiness for rejoining of PMLN and assured to utalize his energy for strengthening of the party.

SCCI supports reforms to revive housing sector

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Asif Jalal

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SUKKUR, Jan 25 (APP):The Sukkur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has thrown its weight behind proposals aimed at reviving the housing sector.

Muhammad Khalid Kakazai, President of SCCI, Abdul Wahab Memon, Convener of the Builders and Developers Committee, and other senior members on Saturday have urged to formulate policies to promote the construction sector’s growth.

They said that the housing sector has been in crisis for several years, affecting 72 industries linked to it. The SCCI leaders believe that reviving the sector will create job opportunities, boost economic growth, and promote economic development, they added.

The government has been asked to reduce the withholding tax on property transactions to 1% and exempt first-time property buyers from taxes. Additionally, the government should abolish the 3% federal excise duty and provide loans at lower interest rates, they said.

The SCCI has also called for private banks to invest heavily in the construction sector.

The Sukkur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, established in 1962, is dedicated to fostering economic growth, promoting entrepreneurship, and facilitating trade in Sukkur and its surrounding regions.

Cleanup operation intensified in Multan

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Asif Jalal

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MULTAN, Jan 25 (APP):The Multan district administration continued crackdown on encroachments across the city, here on Saturday.

The enforcement teams removed illegal encroachments from several key areas including Hussain Agahi, Gulshan Market and Mumtazaabad.

According to a district administration spokesperson, the operation involved the use of heavy machinery to demolish unauthorised constructions. The task force teams also dismantled illegal sheds and cleared pathways to ensure smooth pedestrian and vehicular movement.

Annual Sports Gala held at Government Graduate College

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Asif Jalal

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RAWALPINDI, Jan 25 (APP):A colourful annual sports gala was organized at Government Graduate College, Satellite Town Rawalpindi on Saturday.

Pakistan Muslim league Nawaz (PML-N) leader Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, Member National Assembly (MNA) was the chief guest of the sports gala.

Addressing on the occasion, the chief guest appreciated the discipline of the college and congratulated the college principal on organizing the successful sports gala.

He also lauded the outstanding performance of the students which they exhibited in different games. He informed the students about the importance and usefulness of sports.

The principal of the college, Dr. Athar Qasim in his speech highlighted the college’s educational and extracurricular achievements.

He informed that the students participated enthusiastically in the Sports Gala and participated in various competitions.

At the end of the Sports Gala, medals and certificates were distributed among the successful students.

504 search operations conducted in 24 hours

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Asif Jalal

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LAHORE, Jan 25 (APP):The Punjab police conducted 504 search and combing operations across the province during the last 24 hours.

A police spokesman said here on Saturday that 21,385 individuals were checked and 123 suspicious persons were taken into custody.

In the first 24 days of the ongoing year, 6,830 search and combing operations were carried out across the province. More than 170,000 individuals were checked, 6,754 suspicious persons apprehended and 152 pistols, three shotguns, 22 rifles, eight Kalashnikovs, and 3,121 bullets were recovered from suspected criminals.

IGP gives medals to 15 more brave cops

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Asif Jalal

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LAHORE, Jan 25 (APP):Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar arranged a ceremony at the Central Police Office here on Saturday to honour police officers and personnel who showed extraordinary courage against terrorists and dangerous criminals.

He awarded IG Punjab Gallantry Medals to 15 brave police officers and personnel from various districts. He said that in the last one-and-a-half years, 38 courageous police officers and personnel have been awarded the IGP Gallantry Medals. He expressed his deep admiration for the bravery of the heroes who did not fear for their lives in the line of duty.

The recipients included officers from Sargodha and Rajanpur, two each, and one officer each from Kasur, Bahawalpur, Mianwali, CTD Lahore, and Rawalpindi. One officer from Nankana Sahib, DG Khan, Toba Tek Singh, Okara, and PC Farooqabad was also included. Constable Abdul Sattar of Sargodha Police, who was severely injured by a rocket launcher and hand grenade was awarded the IG Punjab Gallantry Medal. Inspector Shahid Iqbal, SI Farrukh Shahzad, SI Zahiduddin, and SI Sarfraz Ahmad were also awarded Gallantry Medals. Similarly, SI Anjum Rizwan, SI Tahir Saleem, ASI Israr Hamid, ASI Habib-ur-Rehman, and ASI Khando Khan were awarded Gallantry Medals, while Head Constable Majid Qayyum, constables Abdul Ghaffar and Salman Shoukat were also honored with Gallantry Medals.

The award recipients expressed their gratitude to the IGP Punjab. DIG Headquarters Zeeshan Asghar, AIG Discipline Ammara Athar, and other officers participated in the ceremony.

Youth can shape future of Pakistan by playing key role: Bilawal

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Asif Jalal

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HYDERABAD, Jan 25 (APP):The Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stressed the significance of education and said that Education was the most powerful tool for bringing change in the society.

He expressed these views while addressing the 28th convocation of Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro here on Saturday

Bilawal highlighted the role of youth and said that youth have a key role to play in shaping the future of Pakistan.

Bilawal Bhutto felicitated the students on receiving their degrees and Gold medals and encouraged the graduates to take practical steps to address the challenges facing the country, such as climate change and improving digital rights.

He called for an immediate solution to the issue of climate change and referred to the devastating floods in Sindh and urgent steps needed to avoid future threats.

Furthermore, he advocated for the recognition of digital rights and said that “access to affordable and uninterrupted internet should be a fundamental right of every citizen in today’s era.”

Bilawal Bhutto also stressed the importance of effective use of the country’s natural resources and described Sindh’s Thar Coalfield as a potential source for solving energy problems.

At the end of the speech, he appealed to the graduates to use their education for positive change and play their role in shaping a sustainable and equitable future for Pakistan.

Meanwhile Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah addressing the convocation of Mehran University congratulated all the successful recipients of degrees and Gold medals.

Addressing the students, CM said that with the training provided by this university, you should play your best role to make your nation and country famous.

Murad Ali Shah said that more than a thousand students will be awarded degrees in the next two days.

He said that behind today’s honor, your teachers, parents and your personal hard work are involved, he said that Mehran University is one of the leading universities in Pakistan.

He said that challenges are an opportunity for you to move forward, so you have to move forward with hard work and dedication.

He said that as the Chief Minister, I promise that we will work tirelessly for the development of the education sector, which will include your cooperation.

He said that there is a need to work together to solve national problems, for which the support of hardworking youth like you is required.

FPCCI delegation calls on KP CM, discusses promotion of industrial activities

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Asif Jalal

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PESHAWAR, Jan 25 (APP):A delegation of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) called on Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Khan Gandapur and discussed matters relating to promotion of industrial and commercial activities.

Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Industry, Abdul Karim, Secretary for Industry and other relevant officials were also present on the occasion

Steps and initiatives of the provincial government to attract private investment in the region came under discussion.

Talking to the delegation, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for close collaboration and mutual consultation between relevant government departments and the chambers of commerce to improve the industrial and commercial sectors

He stated that the provincial government is working under a comprehensive strategy to resolve issues faced by the industrial sector. He underscored the vital role of industries in economic development and job creation noting that KP offers immense opportunities for private investment.

The provincial government, he said, is committed to encourage private investors and providing them with all necessary facilities including offering locally produced electricity at concessional rates for industries.

He highlighted that provincial government has launched interest-free loan programs to promote entrepreneurship including loans for technical degree holders adding that an agreement has been signed to implement Home Stay Tourism Project aimed at boosting tourism and employment.

FPCCI delegation appreciated the provincial government’s initiatives to promote industrial and commercial activities and expressed gratitude to CM for taking a keen interest in resolving the challenges faced by industrialists and traders.

Int’l day of clean energy to be observed on Jan 26

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Asif Jalal

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 25 (APP):The International Day of Clean Energy focused on the supply of clean energy: for all and for our planet going to be observed on 26 Jan (Sunday).

Pakistan has set a target to reduce its 50 percent greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, and clean energy expansion will play a crucial role in achieving its objective.

Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari has already said, “Pakistan is fully committed to promoting renewable energy and in this regard the Power Division is carefully chalking out policies to provide affordable and sustainable electricity to consumers.”

CM Sindh, Rwanda High Commissioner meet to increase bilateral economic ties

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Asif Jalal

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 25 (APP):Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah met High Commissioner Rwanda to Pakistan, Harerimana Fatao, and negotiated bilateral cooperation in different spheres including economy and trade through public and private sector.

High Commissioner Rwanda to Pakistan, Harerimana Fatao met the Chief Minister of Sindh , Syed Murad Ali Shah in Chief Minister, House Karachi and both sides stressed the need for focusing on a long term approach for increasing the bilateral relations in different sector of the economy,said a press release issued here on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sindh said that Rwanda is an important country in the African region, with which relations of our country are of great importance in the future and there is a need to speed up economic and trade activities between the two countries.

Murad said that there are vast business opportunities in the tea and coffee, pharmaceutical and textiles sector in Rwanda and Pakistan, for which the private sector of both countries has to come forward.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner Rwanda to Pakistan, Harerimana Fatao said that the annual Gross Domestic product (GDP) growth of Rwanda in last Fiscal Year, year 2024 was 8.2 percent, which is the fastest growing country in the region.

She said that Rwanda has processed by minimum 7% annual GDP growth for 20 years, which went up to a record 9.4% annual GDP growth in Fiscal Year, 2005 and 2019.

The envoy said that Rwanda is an emerging economy in the African region, with economic growth rates consistently positive and improving.

She said that due to its significant geographical position, Rwanda can be a gateway for Pakistan in the African region and Rwanda can play its due role in connecting Pakistan’s trade with the East Africa and Southern Africa market.

As a liberalized economy, Pakistan can also get economic and trade benefits through the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) of the African region through Rwanda and the role of Sindh province and major commercial city Karachi is important in this regard