Punjab PA undertook best legislation during its first year: Elahi

LAHORE: Punjab Assembly undertook best legislation during its first year. Seventeen laws of public welfare were passed in one year, number of which is more than the National Assembly and other provincial assemblies.This was stated by Punjab Assembly Speaker Ch Pervaiz Elahi while talking to the journalists here on Wednesday.He said: “The Punjab Assembly in its first parliamentary year met for 102 days in 12 sessions, fulfilling the constitutional requirement. Important laws passed included The Punjab Local Government Act 2019, The Punjab Right to Public Service Act 2019, The Punjab Domestic Workers Act 2019 besides legislation for establishing NUML University in Mianwali and Mir Chakar Khan Rind University of Technology in Dera Ghazi Khan and also The Punjab Assembly Secretariat Services Act 2019.”Ch Pervaiz Elahi said during year 470 questions were answered in the Punjab Assembly, answers to 37 Call Attention Notices pertaining to law and order were provided in the assembly while proceedings were held on 719 adjournment motion notices and 35 resolutions of public interest were approved.The assembly’s new building and mosque, pending for the last 10 years, will Insha-Allah be completed by December 2019. Construction will start on new hostel for the MPAs. Efforts of the deputy speaker are also appreciable, Ch Pervaiz Elahi said.

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Jail best place for drug barons: Buzdar

LAHORE: State Minister for Narcotics Control and Safron Shehryar Khan Afridi called on Chief Minister Usman Buzdar at Civil Secretariat here on Wednesday.During the meeting, they agreed to take collective steps for the elimination of narcotics and it was decided that Punjab and federal governments would initiate joint crackdown on the elements involved in the narcotics business.The chief minister said elements engaged in narcotics trade outside educational institutions would be strictly taken to task and every support would be provided to police, excise and line departments. He said elements doing illegal business of narcotics were the killers of humanity. Crackdown would continue against them and jail was the best place for such elements, he added.Collective efforts are required to free society from the narcotics, he added. Shehryar Afridi said elements involved in narcotics trade did not deserve any leniency and they would be brought under the net of law.Collective action would be taken against those doing the business of narcotics outside the educational institutions, he added. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar presided over a meeting at Civil Secretariat on Wednesday to review development schemes relating to southern Punjab.He expressed strong indignation over the use of substandard material and delay in some road construction projects. He reprimanded the officials concerned and directed for ensuring strict monitoring and transparency besides quality of development projects. No compromise would be made on public welfare projects, he said and added that the projects should be completed within their stipulated time period.He directed that immediate attention should be given to people’s problems. The direction of the resources has been turned towards backward areas and no hindrance was tolerable in this regard, he added and directed that timely provision of machinery should be ensured for cleanliness purposes. The meeting reviewed progress on model cattle markets project and different departments gave a briefing about their development projects.

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Solarization of Punjab schools: 15,000 primary schools, 2,800 BHUs in Punjab to go on solar energy, says minister

LAHORE: As many as 15,000 primary schools and 2,800 basic health units (BHUs) across Punjab will be shifted to solar energy by the end of December 2019, said Dr Provincial Minister for Energy Akhtar Malik.In a statement issued on Wednesday, the minister said some 3500 schools in the South Punjab areas on had already been moved to solar energy. The priority has been given to the off-grid schools in the far-flung areas in this regard, he added.The provincial minister said that he was stunned to know that some 1,700 schools had been without electricity since the creation of Pakistan. “It is for the first time in almost 72 years since the inception of the country that these schools will be provided with electricity through our solarisation initiative,” he said.Akhtar Malik was of the opinion that former Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif was a narcissist who believed in his own projection. Education, health and energy sectors were never among Shahbaz Sharif’s priorities, the minister said.During his tenure, Shahbaz Sharif only focused on big projects with big prospects of kick-backs while the development was restricted to press ads only, the provincial minister alleged. He added that the solarization of Punjab would be a game changer and catalyst for better literacy rate.“Me and my whole team is working with a missionary zeal to bring about social change through such projects of public interest” said Dr Akhter Malik. “Our main objective is to launch the energy projects based on indigenous resources such as wind, sunshine, water and solid waste to meet the energy needs of the country” he added.

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Traders announce four-day countrywide strike

MULTAN: Markazi Anjuman Tajran Pakistan Wednesday announced a four-day countrywide strike on August 15-16 and August 26-27 after consultation with trader bodies of Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad.According to strike organisers, traders have made their utmost efforts to draw a solution but the government was not willing to settle the issues with traders. Addressing a joint press conference at Multan Press Club on Wednesday, MATP chairman Khawaja Suleman Siddiqui said the shutter down call may be extended depending upon the attitude of the government.He said the government was dealing traders in a funny way. He said traders are ready to pay taxes but the stance of the government is hard and the government is imposing unfair conditions that are unacceptable to them at any level.He said earlier the government officials met traders’ bodies separately allegedly in a bid to create differences among traders and convinced some traders of Karachi and Islamabad to drop protest call but all traders have finally decided to join the countrywide protest on August 15-16.Siddiqui said if the government did not show willingness to review taxes, traders would observe shutter down on August 26-27 that might be extended for an indefinite period of time.He said the MATP would take out rally from Hussein Agahi chowk on August 5 in this connection. He said traders were paying taxes and small traders are facing serious difficulties in arranging an accountant at Rs 15,000 to Rs 20, 000 while dealing business in coins.He said the government demanded keeping record of CNIC at the sale of Rs 50, 000, submission of sales tax documents along with each bill. He said the traders would face serious problems in case missing of one bill.He said major problem is related to manufacturers charge sales tax before the delivery of goods without issuing any receipt. He said the second problem is related with cottage industry, involved in the business with keeping record of bills. The small traders are hardly to keep record of the whole sale. The government should collect sales tax from manufacturers instead shopkeepers and small business holders.He said there is confusion on size of shops because big shopkeepers are forced to sell their commodities on higher rates due to burden of taxes but the small shopkeepers were selling same commodities on lower rates than big shops.Siddiqui demanded the government to hold dialogues with real representatives of traders to solve the problem. Representatives of trade bodies Sheikh Akram Hakim, Sheikh Javed Akhtar, Muhammad Idrees Butt, Malik Amir Awan, Syed Jafar Ali Shah, Khalid Mehmood Qureshi, Zeshan Siddiqui, Mirza Naeem Baig, Nadeem Qureshi, Arshad Kashmiri, Shahid Mehmood Ansari and others were present on the occasion.

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Judicial remand of ex-minister, others extended

LAHORE: An accountability court on Wednesday extended judicial remand of former Provincial Minister Sibtain Khan and three others till August 9 in Chiniot mining contract case.Former Minister Sibtain Khan, Mines and Minerals Department former Secretary Imtiaz Ahmed, former Manager Operations and Planning Muhammad Aslam and former Punjab Chief Inspector Mines Abdul Sattar were produced by Accountability Court Judge Ameer Muhammad Khan on expiry of their remand term.To a court query, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutor said the investigation report was being finalised and it would soon be submitted. He further stated that the reference had not yet been approved.At this, the court ordered submission of the complete investigation report and adjourned the matter till August 9, while extending judicial remand of the accused.It is pertinent to mention here that Sibtain Khan resigned from his office as provincial minister for Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife after being arrested by the bureau on June 15. He was arrested on charges of illegally awarding a multi-billion dollar contract to an alleged fake company in 2007. As a provincial minister for mines and minerals at that time, he had awarded a contract for extracting minerals in Chiniot district.

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KPRA asks hotels in Hazara to furnish details of visitors

ABBOTTABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Revenue Authority (KPRA) has directed all the hotels and guest houses to provide complete details of visitors from May 1 to July 25, 2019, including their complete particulars, full addresses and contact numbers, days spent and total payments made by them.The notice issued to the hotels warned that failure to comply with may entail penal consequences under the relevant laws. One of the recipients of the notice, while talking to media, said that this is the last nail in the coffin of the dying tourism industry.“Due to adverse economic condition, the numbers of inland tourists have dropped as compared to the previous year and the hotel industry of Hazara, already in crisis, will further sink and billions of rupees investment of the business community will go waste,” he said. He added that the people would stop staying at hotels for nights because many would not like to share the details of their families and other such matters. “Prime Minister Imran should stop propaganda about the flourishing of the tourism sector in the country and avoid giving examples of Turkey or Hong Kong,” he added.A hotel owner, requesting anonymity due to fear of action from KPRA, said that during the last two months, they did not earn for their families but earned revenue enough to pay taxes. He demanded provincial minister for tourism and chief minister to stop KPRA from implementing such strict rules in Hazara division.

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JI leader calls for free democratic process

LAHORE: Jamaat-e-Islami Naib Ameer Liaqat Baloch has stressed that the stability of the parliamentary system in the country was possible only through a free democratic process and free, fair and impartial elections.Addressing a meeting of the task force of JI’s sister organisations at Mansoora on Wednesday, he said restrictions on politics and media could lead the country to a serious problem. Liaqat Baloch said as Pakistan came into being in the name of Islam, its politics, economy and social norms should be in line with Islamic teachings.However, he lamented, the secular lobby which gained control of the coutnry’s affairs through colonist masters had been hampering implementation of Islamic Sharia because it was afraid of the supremacy of Islamic system.

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KP traders warn of strike if demands not accepted

PESHAWAR: The Markazi Tanzeem-i-Tajiran has warned the government to observe shutter down strike on August 15 and 16 if their demands were not accepted.Speaking at a news conference at the Peshawar Press Club on Wednesday, the union central leaders Sharafat Ali Mubarak and Mehar Elahi said various types of taxes were imposed on people belonging to every walk of life. They said the traders were the worst suffers. They said the provincial government also presented anti-people budget.They deplored that some bureaucrats had been terming traders as thieves and warned them to withdraw their words against their community, otherwise, they would draw their own line of action. They said the traders observed record strike against the IMF-prepared budget on July 13 and now the entire trade organisations including Markazi Tanzim-i- Tajiran, All Pakistan Anjuman-i-Tajiran, All Pakistan Traders Alliance, and Qaumi Tajir Ittehad had unanimously decided to observe August 3 as black day. They warned to block bank transactions and observe wheel-jam strike if their demands were not met.

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Three-day Uchal festival to begin in Kalash Valley from Aug 20

PESHAWAR: The foreign and domestic tourists and the local people are waiting for the three-day Uchal festival to be held in Kalash valley in Chitral district from August 20 to 22.The Uchal festival is one of the cultural festivals celebrated by Kalasha tribe like many other festivals around the year. Before Uchal, the Kalash community also performs Ranat dance in July after harvesting the maize crop.The Uchal festival continues for many more days moving on to different locations within the valley. However, the mega event of Uchal festival is organised in Bamburet besides Anish, Broon Karakul and other small villages in Kalash valley.The festival celebrated in annual harvesting with singing, dancing and paying homage to the nature for blessing them with good food and fruits. It is marked in the barley and wheat harvest season every year in August.The people of Kalasha community prepare cornbread, buttermilk and cheese to celebrate the festival. In the festival, Kalash women and girls decorate their houses and the ceremony is accompanied by dancing and rhythmical chant to the drumbeat.They wear their traditional black robes, ornate cowries shelled headdresses and adorned with coloured necklaces and dance in a circle. During the festival, prayers and processions are held at a high plateau outside the village in Balangkuru where the long night of dancing begins.

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Old price of roti restored, action against violators on, PHC told

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) was told on Wednesday that the district administration has restored the old price of Rs10 per roti and action was being taken against the violators.Deputy Advocate General Rabnawaz Khan told a division bench comprising Justice Lal Jan Khattak and Justice Muhammad Ibrahim Khan that the decision to increase the price of roti from Rs10 to Rs15 by the district administration has been withdrawn.The law officer, representing the government, submitted that now the nanbais were bound to sell a roti of 130 grams for Rs10. He also informed the bench that the district administration had charged and sent hundreds of nanbais to prison, who were not selling roti on Rs10 and the action continues.When the bench wanted to dispose of the petition after recording the statement of the law officer, the petitioners’ counsel Muhammad Khurshid Khan submitted that the court should order the district administration to produce notifications regarding increase and withdrawal of the decisions.On the request of counsel of the petitioners, the court directed the deputy commissioner, Peshawar, to ensure submission of records and notifications regarding increase and decrease of the roti price before the court on next hearing. In the previous hearing, the court had summoned the Peshawar deputy commissioner along with records, but he did not appear in the court on Wednesday. The decision was challenged by one Afaq Hussain and other citizens through their lawyer Muhammad Khurshid Khan in the court.During the hearing, the lawyer submitted before the court that after a daylong shutdown by nanbais, the district administration agreed to increase the roti price from Rs10 to Rs15. The lawyer stated that an agreement to raise the roti price was made during the meeting between the officials of the Peshawar district administration and representatives of the Nanbais Association.Mohammad Iqbal, president of nanbais association, said the strike had been called off after the agreement with the district administration.

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Enforcement of laws for women’s protection stressed

Islamabad: There is a need for greater legislative protection in particular areas of concerns for women, said Human Rights Minister Dr Shireen M Mazari on Wednesday."The implementation of the existing laws protecting the women is more important," she told a seminar on ‘Challenges and Impediments Against Women in Politics’ hosted by Women’s Parliamentary Caucus during the 5th CPA Asia Regional Conference here. The minister said every issue that related to the women, children and marginalized group was a national issue.She said problems begin at home regarding women and their mainstreaming in to the society. Dr Mazari said the UN should take strong note of the discrimination against women in the western world especially in EU countries where Muslim women have not the freedom to express their social and religious identity. "There is a lack of recognition even in the west that they are discriminating against Muslim women. In order to address the gender based issues, we have to include the women in all discussions, consultations and in decision making in all areas specifically in policy discussions concerning conflict and natural disasters," she said. The minister said women were the silent sufferers in conflict zones including presently in India-occupied Kashmir."We can only mainstream women in to the national political arena if we look at our future through humanitarian lens not a gender lens," she said. Dr Mazari said besides awareness, legislation is necessary to strengthen and safeguard the women.She said women have to face the discrimination by the family and society with respect to access at public places and even in health particularly with regard to the lack of discussion on prioritizing health issues relating to women. The minister said the ministry had started program on creating awareness against child abuse."Women have to deal with many threats every day including emotional and physical wellbeing, sexual harassment, assault, rape, so called honour killings and others. The women empowerment begins with women empowering themselves. We have to discourage the discrimination at the level of society and state," she said.She said there was a need to encourage and support children without discrimination on the basis of gender. "This is first step in prioritising women’s issues as national issues," he said. Dr Mazari said Pakistan was overlegislated country."We have laws to protect women and children but these laws are not implemented. There is a need to implement the existing laws and create awareness about these laws," she said. Dr Mazari said if we look at many of our cultural and social issues through a Constitutional lens then there is automatic incorporation of women specific issues into the national mainstream agenda.She said there are certain laws which failed to comply with the requirements of equality and non discrimination on the basis of gender. The minister said Section 10 of the Citizenship Act of 1951, dealing with the transfer of the citizenship to foreign spouses was a clear violation of the Constitution of Pakistan.She asked the law ministry to take note of it saying we cannot have a law that violates the Constitution. The seminar was also attended by the Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser and Minister for IPC, Dr Fehmida Mirza, key representatives from Commonwealth countries and legislative assemblies of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

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Laying of 1,800-km new railway track to start soon, says Sh Rasheed

SUKKUR: Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed has said the new double railway track of 1,800 kilometers from Karachi to Peshawar will be constructed by the government, adding that the existing track was constructed during the British rule in 1861 and now for the first time a new railway track is being constructed.Addressing a press conference at the Circuit House here on late Tuesday night, he said that development of Pakistan Railways was important for overall progress and development of the country.Talking about new jobs in Railways, he said that railway authorities have announced more than 10,000 jobs whereas hiring from Grade 1-4 would be started soon. To a question, he said any person who has cheated or looted the country will be brought to justice. This is regardless of whether he is in Pakistan or abroad.He said the opposition is just criticising the government over non issues adding, they are not appreciating government's positive steps for the betterment of the country. The present leadership had ended the tradition of spending public wealth for fulfilling personal needs, he added.

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Lok Virsa to organise literary session on Sufi Shah Inayat Shaheed

Islamabad: National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) would organize a literary session ‘Muzakra’ series focuses on ‘Sufi Shah Inayat Shaheed’ on August 1, at its media centre.In this ‘Muzakra’ session, speakers would explore Sindh Sufi traditions in general with a special focus on the personality and teachings of Sufi Shah Inayat Shaheed. Sufi Shah Inayat is not only a distinguished Sufi personality of Sindh but also makes a very illustrious Sufi thought and personality of the history of Sub-continent.His thoughts specially revolved around the subjects of unity of existence, unity of religions, unity of humanity, self recognition, divine love, patriotism, abolition of injustice and socialism. Assistant Professor Dr. Manzoor Vesserio, National Institute of Pakistan Studies (NIPS), Quaid e Azam University (QAU), Islamabad will be our expert speaker.Professor Vesserio is a researcher, a teacher, a linguist and a folklorist with seven published books and ten research articles to his credit. He has participated in various national and international conferences.His areas of interest include; Sindhi language, Pakistani languages, history, Sufism and folklore. Inayat was born in 1655 AD in Miranpur village now renamed Jhoke Sharif.After being labelled as a rebel and infidel for his socialist struggles, he was killed in 1718 AD by the local rulers of Sindh. His philosophy was to serve the humanity and to consider all humans as equals said Dr. Muhammad Qasim Bughio.His message was one of love, tolerance and equality. Peasants left their respective lands to work for Shah Inayat as he had organised collective farming on his lands.

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‘Plastic Bags Se Azadi’: Polythene bags to be banned in capital from Aug 14

Islamabad: Minister of State for Climate Change Zartaj Gul has said that polythene bags shall now be banned in beautiful Islamabad City from 14th August, 2019, which will be celebrated as day marking ‘Plastic Bags Se Azadi.’She was addressing an awareness campaign ceremony regarding ‘Plastic Bags Se Azadi’ arranged at National Highway Authority head office here on Wednesday. Sumera Khan MNA, Senior Joint Secretary Ministry of Climate Change Hammad Shamimi NHA’s Member (Admin) Captain (r) Mushtaq Ahmed and senior officers of Ministry of Communications, Ministry of Climate Change, National Highway Authority and Media men were also present.Speaking on the occasion, Zartaj Gul said, addressing the menace of plastic waste is an integral part of the Prime Minister’s Clean and Green Pakistan Movement. It is alarming, she said, that 55 billion plastic bags are being used annually in the country that amounts to consumption of 275 bags, per person per year.She said, plastic bags not only mar the environment but they also cause flooding in the cities. For effective implementation of the campaign she desired cooperation of government organisations, civil society and media. She also commended contribution made by NHA towards success of Clean and Green Pakistan Programme.

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Moot calls for steps to promote national cohesion

HARIPUR: Speakers at a seminar here on Wednesday stressed the need to find solutions to the problems of aggrieved sections of the society for promoting national cohesion and integration and bringing peace and stability to the country.The two-day training workshop titled ‘Principles of Effective Leadership for Peace Building and National Cohesion’ was organised by the University of Haripur. A large number of students, faculty members, religious scholars and civil society members attended the event.In their addresses, the speakers said such engagement offers a seed of hope for a sustainable social cohesion and a healthier and vibrant society. They said the role of the youth in peacebuilding process is recognised as a vital factor for a positive transformation besides countering conflict and violence and setting a foundation to strengthen peace and social cohesion. The said widespread promotion of the culture of tolerance, acceptance of others and of living together peacefully will contribute significantly to reducing many economic, social, political and environmental problems that weigh so heavily on a large part of the society.The speakers called for establishment of a cohesive society which works toward the well-being of all its segments to create a sense of inclusiveness and promote peace, unity and trust by fighting divisions, exclusion and marginalisation. They underscored the need for introducing an education system in the country which promotes civic consciousness, national unity and a better interfaith and inter-ethnic understanding.The speakers said the role of teachers and ulema is most important in promoting love and peace and resolving disputes in the society. They said the conflicts of different nature in the world are creating numerous problems and also providing a breeding ground for terrorism, adding that in order to disseminate the message of love and peace in the society, internal peace is the first requirement. They said that Paigham-e-Pakistan provides an umbrella to protect the country and the nation from all forms of extremism, hatred and violence against the fellow countrymen.The speakers threw light on the social and traditional implications of changing and emerging roles of faculty members and ulema for peace-building and promoting national cohesion in the society. The basic objective of the activity was to highlight the role an effective leadership can play in establishment of a peaceful and stable society by helping counter the prevalent challenges including hatred, extremism, violence and terrorism.In the end, Department of Islamic and Religious Studies head Dr Muhaiman distributed certificates among the participants.

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Pindi CPO chairs meeting to review Eid, Muharram security

RAWALPINDI: CPO Rawalpindi DIG Muhammad Faisal Rana chaired a meeting to review security for Eid-ul-Azha and Muharram-ul-Haram. The meeting was attended by SP (Saddar) Rai Mazhar Iqbal, SP (Potohar) Syed Ali, SP (Rawal) Ikram Khan and officer of security branch of CPO Office. While addressing the meeting he said that religious and sectarian mischief-maker could trigger a disaster. Police must take quick action against such elements and detain them under 3MPO.The CPO said that society couldn’t afford any kind of misadventure or hate mongering. Such acts have often ruined the peace of societies. During Eid-ul-Azha and Muharram, opportunities for hate mongers has to stop them from taking advantage. Police must share information with LEAs and Police has to unmark those who promote hate in the garb of speeches.

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PM to launch plantation drive on Aug 5

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan will launch plantation drive here, under 10 Billion Tree Tsunami Programme, on August 5, whereas Urban Forestry Plantation Campaign will be launched by the prime minister in Lahore on August 9.Adviser on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam called on the prime minister Wednesday at the Prime Minister Office.

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People of Sindh ‘victims of AIDS, hepatitis, unemployment’: Sh Rasheed

NAWABSHAH: Federal Minister for Railways, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed said the people of Sindh are being victims of AIDS, Hepatitis and unemployment, while the ruling elite engaged in plundering the provincial wealth and resources.While talking to the media persons at Nawabshah Railway Station, Sheikh Rasheed on Maulana Fazl ur Rehman told that the politics of Maulana has come to an end, as he used both PML-N and PPP for his purposes and now it is time for him to focus on Islam. He said Maulana thought that the government would retain the 18th amendment but the new legislation is on the way.Regarding Moulana’s demand that Prime Minister Imran Khan should resign by August, the Federal Minister said no one can take resignation from the Prime Minister. He said we stood aside by the PM Imran Khan and under his dynamic leadership the issues being faced by the country would soon be resolved.Sheikh Rasheed said the opposition parties did nothing but delivering speeches, while we have sacrificed for the cause of Khatm-e-Nabuwat. He further said that the political eras of Nawaz and Zardaris families have ended and there is no space for them in Islamabad. The Federal Minister added that Sindh’s resources are being looted mercilessly. He said those who have eaten carrots have to see the jail.Replying a question regarding no confidence motion against Chairman Senate, Rasheed said he is not expecting any change in Senate and Sadiq Sanjrani would continue leading the upper house. Pointing at PPP’s Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari, Minister said he is the real Qabza (encroachment) mafia, and he occupied some through the marriage and some through power.Sheikh Rasheed said people who claimed to have Nawabshah as his forte also having ‘Surrey Mahal’ in London bought by the public money, while the people are dumped into garbage. He said the bureaucracy has left working because the fear of unprecedented accountability but those who have their hands clean would have soon a new ordinance to protect NAB’s unnecessary interference.Replying a question, Sheikh Rasheed told the issue of Khatm-e-Nabuwat would not be changed even an inch till the end of world. He said the seminaries are the pillars of religion and we could not neglect their importance in our society.Minister said the condition of railway track is very devastating and was repaired once in 1960, adding that the betterment work of railway track, including construction of new tracks is underway in Sindh. He promised the people of Nawabshah that the construction of ML-1 railway tracks would start from here.

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FBR impounds 70 non-custom paid vehicles

SUKKUR: The FBR impounded over 70 luxurious non custom paid vehicles in use of police and other senior government officers in the last two days.The FBR team, sources said impounded Premio car allegedly in use of SHO Market Police Station, Larkana Khadim Hussain Magsi. The SHO resisted handing over the non custom paid vehicle and misbehaved with the FBR officials. Finally the issue was resolved at the intervention of senior police officials. Magsi, however denied any such incident. The FBR also confiscated a vehicle driven by SEPCO Engineer Nazeer Ahmed Soomro.

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Three of a family killed as train smashes car

SUKKUR: Three people of a family lost their lives when a car was hit by a passenger train at a railway crossing in Mirpur Mathelo on Wednesday. The car driver attempted to cross the railway track through the unmanned Awan Railway Crossing when it was smashed by the train killing all instantly. The victims were identified as Head Master of school Hazoor Bakhash Leghari, his wife Hasina Leghari, and their six year-old-son Arsalan. Following the accident agitated people tried to block the train carrying Minister for Railways Shaikh Rashid Ahmad.

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Police arrest dacoit wanted for killing six cops

SUKKUR: The Jacobabad Police arrested a dacoit wanted for the killing of six policemen in 2008. The SSP Jacobabad Abdul Qayoom Pitafi told the media that the CIA Police pursued a gang of dacoits led by wanted criminal Muhammed Sallah Shahlani following which an encounter took place near the Jamali Canal Bypass. The police managed to arrest dacoit Muhammed Sallah Shahlani, while the other members of the gang escaped. According to police, Shahlani who carried a head money of Rs one million, along with his gang of dacoits had attacked Noorpur Regulator Police post in 2008 with rockets, killing six policemen including the SHO.

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Four people killed in road accident in Karachi

KARACHI: Four people were killed and several injured when a car hit two motorcycles near Qayumabad on late Wednesday night.Following the accident, the rescue workers shifted the injured to Jinnah Hospital where two of the injured succumbed during treatment.According to rescue sources, one of the victims was identified as 18-year old Muhammad Sami, while the remaining three could not be identified. They said all the four deceased were residents of Korangi No-4.

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The Angry Birds Movie 2 (English)

23/08/2019

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Huawei to establish seven ICT academies

ISLAMABAD: Huawei has planned to establish seven ICT academies and cultivate 3,000 ICT talents in 2019. Through academy the company has collaborated with 15 universities across Pakistan to date.Since entering Pakistan in 1998, Huawei has maintained robust growth and contributed to Pakistan’s overall ICT industry development. Today employs about 1,600 people in the country, 91% of whom are Pakistani nationals. In 2018 alone, Huawei spent $224 million in local procurement, and invested $10 million to establish a Huawei Technical Support Center which has 800 ICT engineers. Huawei has also committed to cultivating local talent in Pakistan through programs like the Huawei ICT Academy, through which the company has collaborated with 15 universities across Pakistan to date.Huawei announced its business results for the first half of 2019: $58.34 billion in revenue, a 23.2% increase over the same period last year. The company's net profit margin for H1 2019 was 8.7%.According to Huawei's Chairman, Liang Hua, operations are smooth and the organization is as sound as ever. With effective management and an excellent performance across all financial indicators, Huawei's business has remained robust in the first half of 2019. In Huawei's carrier business, H1 sales revenue reached $21.29 billion, with steady growth in production and shipment of equipment for wireless networks, optical transmission, data communications, IT, and related product domains. To date, Huawei has secured 50 commercial 5G contracts and has shipped more than 150,000 base stations to markets around the world.In Huawei's enterprise business, H1 sales revenue was $4.59 billion. Huawei continues to enhance its ICT portfolio across multiple domains, including cloud, artificial intelligence, campus networks, data centers, Internet of Things, and intelligent computing. It remains a trusted supplier for government and utility customers, as well as customers in commercial sectors like finance, transportation, energy, and automobile.In Huawei's consumer business, H1 sales revenue hit $32.1 billion. Huawei's smartphone shipments (including Honor phones) reached 118 million units, up 24%YoY.The company also saw rapid growth in its shipments of tablets, PCs, and wearables. Huawei is beginning to scale its device ecosystem to deliver a seamless intelligent experience across all major user scenarios.

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VIP culture, nepotism eliminated from Punjab, claims minister

LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Mian Aslam Iqbal Tuesday said the chief minister believes in public service and the dream of equal development and progress across the province will be materialised soon.In a statement issued here, he said that according to the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan, reforms were being introduced in Punjab. He said that VIP culture had been eliminated and the government resources were being utilised for the general public only. He said that Nawaz Sharif had established monarchy in the largest province of the country.The PTI government eradicated the culture of nepotism and now the governmental resources could not be wasted on relatives. The former rulers committed corruption to the core and the government had complete proofs of their misdeeds and embezzlements.He said that details of past 10 years corruption would be brought to light. Meanwhile, Mian Aslam Iqbal visited the Lahore Museum here Tuesday. Lahore Museum Director Nasir Jamal Hotiyana gave a briefing to the minister about museum’s history, infrastructure and business model.The minister expressed dissatisfaction over performance and business model of the museum and maintained that a treasure trove of antique items was available in this museum but its failure in non-generation of own resources was regrettable.Lahore Museum should generate its resources instead of depending on the government funds, he added. The minister ordered for devising a suitable business and marketing plan by the museum, adding that museums managed through the best marketing systems the world over. He ordered for making the display sections more attractive and eye-catching.The marketing plan should be devised by going through the best business models adopted in different countries of the world, he added.He said that huge foreign exchange could be earned through tourism and it was imperative that foreign tourists should be fully sensitised about the unique historical treasure available in the museum.

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NVQF to scale up implementation of National Skills Strategy

Islamabad: The National Vocational Qualification Framework (NVQF) is one of the key elements of TVET system and development of level 5 qualification is yet another step closer to our commitment to culmination of the 'skills for all' strategy, said Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mehmood on Tuesday.“We are focused on developing a uniform certification regime which is recognised and accepted both at the local and international level,” he told the launching ceremony of NVQF organised by National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), here.The minister said the government was focusing attention on developing a uniform certification regime, which was recognised and accepted both at the local and international level. “We are also going to develop an accreditation regime through a federal directive under which only those certificates will be accepted which are issued by the accredited institutions,” he added.The minister said negotiations with various international institutions were underway so that our certifications are recognised internationally and enable our skilled labor abroad to secure jobs as per their qualifications."We are also working in close collaboration with provincial governments to train our youth in the industry-relevant trades," he said. The minister said the women's empowerment takes high priority in the government’s agenda for the 'skills for all' strategy and TVET would play a significant role in bringing them into the mainstream economy.He praised the chairman and the executive director of NAVTTC for accomplishing another key milestone towards TVET reform agenda. NAVTTC Chairman Syed Javed Hassan said standardization of qualifications at national and international levels performed a pivotal role in reforming TVET sector and the NAVTTC had achieved an important milestone through development of national vocational qualifications compatible with the international standards & requirements in 25 most important trades including high-tech fields like Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Mechatronics and Automation.“Development of level 1-5 qualifications is a giant leap forward towards TVET reforms of the country,” he said. He said developing right courses according to the competency standards would transform the TVET landscape of the country.The Executive Director NAVTTC, Dr. Nasir Khan, said that NVQF would play a significant role in bringing a paradigm shift from time bound learning to outcome based learning.He gave a brief presentation on the role of NVQF and a way forward to boost the TVET sector of Pakistan. "Scaling up of NVQF and mainstreaming of Competency Based Training (CBT) approach is an integral part of the new National Skills for All Strategy," he said highlighting the importance of NVQF.Ambassador of Germany Bernhard Schlagheck and ambassador of Norway Kjelle Gunnar Eriksen said the NVQF would help the government to scale up the implementation of National Skills Strategy.Deputy Head of mission at the European Union Delegation to Pakistan Anne Marshal said the TVET sector through implementation of NVQF would pave way for a better TVET system in the country.Participants from all over the country including provincial TEVTAs, Qualification Awarding Bodies (QABs), training providers, and industrialists took part in the daylong conference.

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Naval chief appreciates Bahria University’s academic excellence

ISLAMABAD: The Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi NI (M), chaired the 41st meeting of the Board of Governors of Bahria University at its head office Islamabad.A detailed briefing was given to the board on the progress of the various ongoing projects, with special reference to the growth and diversification in academic disciplines, infrastructure enhancement, budget and new initiatives of academic and nonacademic areas.The Naval Chief who is also the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Board of Governors of the Bahria University appreciated efforts for focusing on students grooming through academic teachings and its core values of integrity, creativity and excellence.He also appreciated the academic benchmarks being raised in the university aligned with its strategic vision and mission, including the programmes in the domain of maritime research and studies. This has made it to become the first maritime university of Pakistan to contribute towards blue economy.The meeting was attended by members including senior naval officers, secretary Ministry of Science and Technology, financial adviser planning, Ministry of Finance, Rector BU and relevant top management.

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Another 13 people test positive for dengue in Rawalpindi

Rawalpindi: As many as 13 patients have been tested positive for dengue fever at two of the three allied hospitals in town in last three weeks taking the total number of confirmed patients so far registered this year at the allied hospitals to 25 however, the trend at the time cannot be declared as an outbreak of the infection.Data collected by ‘The News’ on Tuesday has revealed that in last 24 hours, Holy Family Hospital tested two patients positive for dengue fever while the other two teaching hospitals including Benazir Bhutto Hospital and District Headquarters Hospital did not receive any confirmed patient of the infection.However as many as 10 patients of dengue fever including five confirmed patients and five suspected ones were undergoing treatment at the HFH and DHQ Hospital.To date, the HFH received a total of 14 confirmed patients of dengue fever while as many as seven patients of the infection were undergoing treatment at the hospital of which one has been declared as a patient of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). The DHF is considered as a rare complication of the infection, which is more fatal than dengue fever.The DHQ this year, has received a total of 11 confirmed patients of dengue fever of which one suffering from DHF was undergoing treatment at the hospital along with two confirmed patients of the infection.The cases so far registered at the allied hospitals in Rawalpindi have been considered as sporadic ones by a number of health experts though limited outbreak of the infection has been reported in Union Council Rawat in the federal capital from where 12 patients have already been tested positive.According to health experts, the more alarming factor this year is that out of 25 patients so far reported at the allied hospitals, as many as six were found with hemorrhagic manifestations.It is important that the uncontrolled bleeding distinguishes DHF from uncomplicated dengue fever. Bleeding can occur from the gums, nose, intestine, or under the skin as bruises or spots of blood especially under a tourniquet. The liver is often enlarged.Patients can have rapid onset of marked drowsiness, lethargy or restlessness or the presence of shock as manifested by a rapid and weak pulse, low blood pressure and cold clammy skin. Such patients should be immediately referred to a good hospital for further management. Dengue Shock Syndrome can be a mortal illness and requires rapid and careful in-hospital management with assiduous correction and replacement of fluid, electrolytes, plasma and sometimes, fresh blood/platelets transfusions. Mortality from DHF ranges from 5 - 30% (in untreated native populations) and the highest risk is to infants under one year.It is, however worth mentioning here that so far, the dengue fever has claimed no life in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

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Girl shot dead, another hurt over child custody issue

SIALKOT: A girl was shot dead while another sustained injuries over a dispute of custody of child on Klasswala Road near Pasrur on Tuesday.Rasoolan Bibi had contracted second marriage with Nadeem. To it, her first husband Rasheed demanded the custody of their one-and-a-half-year- old son Asim. Rasoolan Bibi, who was not willing to give the baby back, allegedly persuaded her second husband Nadeem and his brother Waqar to take revenge from Rasheed and stop him from demanding the baby back.On the day of the incident, Waqar and his unidentified accomplices entered the settlement of gypsies and allegedly opened indiscriminate firing. As a result, nine-year-old Maryam, daughter of Ashraf, was killed on the spot while her relative Kalu sustained injuries.It is told that the deceased, the injured man, the accused persons and the complainant were all relatives. On the report of Rasheeda Bibi, the mother of the killed girl, the police have registered a case against eight accused, including Rasoolan Bibi, Nadeem and Waqar.

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PPP has no likeminded group, says KP leader

PESHAWAR: Former senior minister and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Rahimdad Khan said on Tuesday that there was no likeminded group in the party. “There could be differences among the workers on various issues and it does not mean someone is forming his own group within the PPP,” he told The News dispelling the impression that some dissidents were holding their separate meetings against the sitting provincial leadership.Rahimdad, who remained as PPP’s provincial president, claimed that every worker within the party has access to central and provincial leadership and could present their point of view. He observed that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was aware of the problems of the party workers.When asked about the provincial party’s leaders meeting at the residence of the Khan Pervez in Nowshera, Rahimdad Khan said that was not a meeting but Khan Pervez had invited them after his recovery from illness. He said since the workers and leaders had been inquiring about his health when he was not well so he invited them all.The dissidents within the party had been stating that the provincial leaders had gathered at the residence of PPP leader in Nowshera to discuss future line of action. Rahimdad dispelled the impression that he had attended the meeting. He pointed out that he could not do so because of the death of his cousin.PPP dissident Misbahuddin also dismissed reports about formation of any likeminded group, saying they have differences within the party but they had neither any plan nor discussed formation of group within the party.The difference of opinion, he said, was beauty of democracy and PPP was a major political force and the workers raised their problems at every forum.

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Shepherd drowns

NANKANA SAHIB: An shepherd drowned in River Ravi near Malka Haji on Tuesday. Mehr Muhammad Hadayat was grazing his buffaloes near the river when one of his buffaloes went into the river. He chased the buffalo, but drowned.

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Frontier Corps to vacate Balahisar Fort, hand it over to KP govt

PESHAWAR: After a series of meetings, the paramilitary Frontier Corps (FC) has reportedly agreed to vacate the historic Balahisar Fort and hand it over to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to use it for tourism purposes.According to sources, the Prime Minister’s Office and other concerned departments are presently working on this project to shift the FC from Balahisar to the Hayatabad locality in Peshawar.The FC has been using the fort as its headquarters. The government had allotted an entire phase in the posh Hayatabad town for relocating the FC headquarters from Balahisar to Hayatabad. The spacious complex had workshops, barracks and several houses for officers, lower staff and their families.Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Tourism, Culture, Archaeology and Youth Affairs, Mohammad Atif Khan said “it has principally been agreed between the government and interior ministry to vacate Balahisar fort and open it to tourists.”According to sources, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan had raised the issue during the rule of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and demanded handing over the fort to the KP government to use it as a tourist spot like Shahi Qila in Lahore, Punjab.The PTI at the time was ruling KP in coalition with Jamaat-i-Islami and Qaumi Watan Party. The demand was ignored after a few fruitless meetings. After assuming office of the prime minister, the sources said Imran Khan took personal interest in the issue and held a number of meetings with the concerned quarters. It was finally decided that the FC would vacate the historic fort.However, according to sources, the FC authorities had demanded of the government to purchase 35 acre of land in Shah Kas close to their present complex in Hayatabad to meet the needs of FC. A spacious building in the same complex has been rented out to a famous private school.The FC also wanted the government to allocate Rs2 billion for construction of building for their offices in the new FC headquarters in Shah Kas. According to Tourism Minister Mohammad Atif Khan, the federal government has agreed to procure 35 acres of land for the FC and for this purpose it had earmarked Rs350 million.He said the federal government has also agreed to arrange Rs2 billion for construction of a building for the FC so it can shift the headquarters from Balahisar to Shah Kas.He said the government had prepared PC-1 for the two mega projects. Senior security officials also confirmed that it has been decided at a high level forum that FC would vacate Balahisar. However, they said that no deadline has been given for the purpose. The FC would apparently like to have more space and additional building to shift the existing facilities from the present headquarters.There is no doubt that the FC had not only preserved this old fort but also spent huge resources on its repair and beautification. It would be a great achievement if Balahisar is finally handed over to the KP government.However, it would be a challenge for the provincial government to maintain its glory and convert it into a tourist spot. Peshawar, which has expanded haphazardly and become overcrowded, lacks parks and tourist spots.The successive governments, including the coalition government of Awami National Party and Pakistan People’s Party, tried but failed to get Balahisar Fort vacated and turn it into a tourist destination. Tourism Minister Muhammad Atif Khan said they would utilise all their resources to preserve the fort and use it for tourism purposes and set up a restaurant on the top.

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Rain, thunderstorms likely in Punjab in next 24 hours

LAHORE: Different localities Tuesday received light-to-moderate rain, which lowered temperatures to an extent in the city. The maximum temperature was recorded as 34 C in the city.An official of the Met Office said dmainly hot and humid weather was expected in most parts of the province; however, rain/wind-thunderstorm was expected at scattered places in Rawalpindi, Lahore and Gujranwala divisions during the next 24 hours.He said moderate monsoon currents were still entering lower parts of the country and likely to weaken gradually during the next 24 hours. However, strong monsoon currents from Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal were likely to enter northeastern parts of the country from Wednesday night and may bring moderate-to-heavy rains during the next two to three days in Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore and Sargodha divisions. He said the current monsoon rains occurring in Punjab were beneficial for rice crop. During the past 24 hours, widespread rain/wind-thunderstorm occurred at isolated places in Sargodha, Faisalabad, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur and Multan divisions.

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Zero-tolerance policy to root out smuggling: minister

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Interior Ijaz Shah said that smuggling is a serious problem faced in Pakistan and the sole purpose of formation of this committee is to ensure that this menace can be eradicated.The second meeting of Anti-Smuggling Steering Committee that was formed on July 1, 2019, on prime minister’s directives was held in the committee room of Ministry of Interior which was led by Ijaz Shah along with Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Ali Zaidi.All the four sub-committees submitted comprehensive action plans on assigned TORs. The interior minister expressed surprise that for seventy years, the subject of smuggling remained neglected despite massive loss to the economy of the country.The minister for Maritime Affairs said that smuggling through sea and issue of illegal jetties which was causing loss of billions of dollars in exports of fisheries and is a major issue. Secretary commerce highlighted the tariff anomalies and steps required to regulate Afghan Transit Trade.In order to ensure efficient control, the committee unanimously agreed upon increased collaboration with Customs and Border Force. The installation of advanced systems on bordering areas was also emphasised upon.The meeting concluded with a promise to come up with workable plan to execute the taken decisions. “We have to make sure that we get rid of this problem, it has damaged our economy over the years and we cannot let it go further like this. I request all the committee members to work hand in hand with full dedication to ensure that our desired goals are achieved in time” said Brig (R) Ijaz Ahmad Shah.

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KP CM visits hospitals in Jamrud, Landikotal

PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Mahmood Khan on Tuesday paid surprise visits to Civil Hospital Jamrud and Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, Landikotal, in the Khyber district to inspect the health-care services being offered to citizens of the newly merged districts.Visiting the Civil Hospital Jamrud, he took serious note of the staff which was absent from duty, non-functional vehicles and poor cleanliness, said an official handout. The chief minister ordered an inquiry. He directed the officials to submit him a comprehensive report. Mahmood Khan met with patients and inquired about the health care standards.Talking to the general public, the chief minister stated that the unannounced visits were part of the effort to evaluate the government services first-hand and take remedial measures accordingly.He said the provincial government would give due priority to the governance issues in the newly-merged tribal districts to bring about speedy development so that people can reap the benefits of the merger.In another surprise visit to the Landikotal Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, residents welcomed the chief minister.Speaking to the chief minister, residents complained that non-availability of a woman gynaecologist was causing hardships. The people decried the non-availability of technicians due to which the dialysis and ultrasound machines were lying useless.The chief minister said a woman gynaecologist would be provided to the hospital within the coming weeks. He said recruitment of 400-500 doctors and other technical staff was under process which would ensure availability of all necessary staff in the hospitals of the newly merged tribal districts.Mahmood Khan took serious notice of the practice of referring patients to private clinics. He said all those found involved in this practice would be sent home and only those doctors would be allowed to continue with jobs who were willing to serve with sincerity. The chief minister directed the Healthcare Commission to inspect all private laboratories for registration and best practices.

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Concern over increase in prices of life-saving drugs

MULTAN: The Pakistan Chemist Association has expressed concern over 300 per cent increase in prices of lifesaving drugs.Talking to journalists here on Tuesday, PCA Multan division chairman Akhtar Butt said that the increase in prices of lifesaving drugs was a betrayal from the commitments of providing cheap medicines to the citizens. Akhtar Butt said that the prices of medicines had increased at a cost of receiving heavy commission from pharmaceutical companies and the people were suffering a lot. The prices of selected medicines like insulin for sugar patients, blood pressure and cardiac medicines had been increased considerably. The pharmaceutical companies had stopped supply to markets after rupee depreciation and increased in imported raw material of medicines.He said that important lifesaving drugs were not available at majority of pharmacies across the city whereas several essential medicines had also been declared out of stock by medical stores due to recent surge in prices. The pharmaceutical mafia had increased the rates of medicines with the alleged connivance of influential persons, he added.He said that the medicines made in Pakistan were being sold on higher prices while different political players owned 48 per cent of the pharmaceutical companies in the country. He said that hike in petroleum prices, levying withholding tax, property tax, income tax, rupee depreciation and inflation had destroyed medicines business. Akhtar Butt said that the PCA was seriously considering using the right of strike and countrywide protest in the coming days. The medical stores would observe shutdown and the government was responsible for the whole disorder, he said.He added that the PCA had no other option left except using the right of agitation and shutter down. He said that black marketing had been on the rise after the pharmaceutical companies had suspended medicines supply in the market.The companies had stopped importing raw material at high rates and selling medicines at low prices, he maintained. Akhtar Butt said that the available stocks of medicines with medical stores were going to finish day by day while companies had stopped supply to medical stores. He feared massive shortage of life saving drugs in coming days. He demanded the government revise the policy to provide relief to the masses.

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‘Maximum trees needed ‘to meet climate change’

LAHORE: Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar Tuesday launched tree plantation campaign by planting a sapling at the Punjab House, Islamabad.Speaking on the occasion, he said that maximum tree plantation was needed to avoid the climate change impacts, said a handout issued here.Trees are true friends of human beings and children should be especially sensitised on the importance of green environment in society, he said. He asserted that the target of tree plantation would be achieved and “Clean and Green Punjab” programme would be helpful in combating the growing challenges of climate change.Increasing forests size could help in combating environmental degradation, he said adding that recent rains were also beneficial for growth of saplings. The chief minister said that every department should plant maximum number of trees and citizens, especially the youth, should also be involved in the activity through social forestry.He said that the Forest Department would also provide plants to citizens for in-house plantation while tree plantation had been made compulsory in housing societies in the province. Provincial Minister for Sports and Tourism Taimoor Khan Bhatti, Excise Minister Hafiz Mumtaz Ahmad, ACS and others were also present.

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Gunmen kill peace body member’s son in Swat

MINGORA: Unidentified gunmen attacked the residence of a member of the pro-government Amn Committee in Azbaka Manglawar and killed one of his sons, police sources said on Tuesday.They said that the gunmen attacked the house of Dilfaroz, a member of the Amn Committee, early in the day and killed one of his sons, Sabz Ali. His other son Hamd Ali was injured in the attack. After the incident, a heavy contingent of the police arrived on the spot.

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KP govt to recruit 65,000 teachers, says education adviser

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Advisor to Chief Minister on Elementary and Secondary Education, Ziaullah Bangash said on Tuesday 65,000 teachers would be recruited for meeting the criteria of four teachers for every primary School according to five years plan. He said this during a press briefing at the Cabinet Room of the Civil Secretariat Peshawar, said an official handout. The adviser said that this year 17,000 teachers had been recruited12,000 were under process and 12,000 more posts would be advertised and 11,000 primary schools’ posts would be sanctioned.Of strengthening the primary education, Ziaullah Bangash said 3,000 school teachers would be appointed for enhancement of teaching methodology and better classroom environment. The advisor added that due to these policies, the results of government schools had improved and put at 73 percent in the Secondary School Certificate and 83 percent in Higher SSC. He said e-transfer policy would be launched on August 1st for teacher’s transfer transparency.

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Cop commits suicide in Chitral

CHITRAL: A police constable allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself with his official pistol on the premises of the Police Lines early Tuesday, official said. DSP Zafar Ahmed said that Nazarban Shah, police constable, hailing from Garam Chasham, Mogh, was found dead on the premises of the Police Lines.

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Better service delivery: PMO tasks ministries with new initiatives

ISLAMABAD: In order to improve governance and service delivery of certain division/ministries, the Prime Minister’s Performance Delivery Unit (PMDU) after detailed deliberations has devised a composite tasking document containing proposed interventions, with timelines in shape of targeted institutional interventions.By implementing these interventions, it is hoped that the federal ministries/divisions and their attached departments will be able to improve service delivery across their domain, a statement released by the PM Office said.The document carries specialised tasks which are to be achieved on the basis of time-based deliverables (03 months/06 months) respectively. The ministries will be at liberty to incorporate their own in-house initiatives, which they can complete within 03-06 months and share those with PMDU within one week.The achievements of these targets would be one of the parameters to gauge the performance of the ministries/divisions. The tasking document has been sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Interior, Planning, Power, Petroleum, Aviation, IT & Telecom, Federal Education & Professional Training, Ministry of National Health Services & Coordination and the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis & Human Resource Development.

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Newspaper holidays on Eid

KARACHI: The All Pakistan Newspaper Society has announced two closed holidays on account of Eid–ul-Azha on Sunday (August 11) and Monday (August 12) 2019.Sarmad Ali , Secretary General , APNS has announced that in consultation with the All Pakistan Akhbar Faroash Federation, it has been decided that member publications will not bring their issues on Monday August 12 and Tuesday August 13, 2019 and publish their Independence Day editions on Wednesday , August 14, 2019. Whereas the evening newspapers not appearing on Sunday , August 11 and Monday August 12, 2019, may bring out their issues on Tuesday August 13, 2019, if so desire, says a press release.

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NICL scam case

SC orders arrest of Mohsin Habib WarraichBy Sohail KhanISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday ordered arrest of Mohsin Habib Warraich, the central figure in the mega corruption case of Rs420 million National Insurance Company Limited (NICL).A three member bench of the apex court headed by Acting Chief Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Qazi Muhammad Amin Ahmed heard the NICL scam case. Acting Chief Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed asked the whereabouts of Mohsin Habib Warraich. Justice Ijazul Ahsan observed that Mohsin Habib is an accused in big scandal and questioned why he was not yet arrested.However, special prosecutor National Accountability Bureau (NAB) told the court that the accused is in Pakistan, adding that he has not departed through any international airport and it is likely that he has not proceeded abroad."The accused is within the country but the NAB could not arrest him as well,” acting CJP remarked. Meanwhile the court directed the NAB to arrest Mohsin Habib Warraich and submit compliance report. Later, the court adjourned the hearing for date in office (indefinite period).Last year in August, the NAB had given details pertaining to the pending references filed against Ayyaz Khan Niazi and Mohsin Habib Warraich. The court had then directed the NAB to arrest another main accused Mohsin Habib Warraich, who was an absconder.

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Guru Nanak’s birth celebrations: 500 Sikh pilgrims reach Pakistan

LAHORE: A caravan of around 500 Indian Sikh pilgrims crossed over to Pakistan through the Wagah border Tuesday morning.The Foreign Office said the pilgrims will inaugurate the celebrations in connection with Baba Guru Nanak's 500th birth anniversary from his birthplace in Nankana Sahib on August 1. A statement released by the ISPR later in the day said 476 pilgrims had reached Nankana Sahib, while the remaining 24 [pilgrims] will not be visiting.The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi had issued visas to the Sikh pilgrims who are part of the jatha on July 26. These visas were granted "over and above" the thousands of visas that Pakistan issues every year under the framework of the Pakistan-India Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines, 1974, the FO said.It further said that the Pakistan government was taking a number of important initiatives including opening of the Kartarpur corridor to make the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak memorable and historic.The government also believes in the policy of promoting visits to religious shrines and people-to-people contacts between Pakistan and India, it added.

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2 cops among four martyred in Quetta blast

QUETTA - At least four persons including two policemen were martyred and 32 people including police official and children were injured in a bomb blast at Baldia Plaza near Meezan Chowk area of provincial capital on Tuesday evening. According to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Police Abdul Razzaq Cheema, unknown men had attached explosive devices ...

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Jennifer Aniston finds comfort in Justin Theroux's company after Dolly's death

LOS ANGELES: Hollywood's iconic personality Jennifer Aniston has received solace from her ex-husband Justin Theroux as he rejoined the actress after the loss of their beloved dog Dolly.The Hollywood's stars Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux, who had separated their ways last year in February, reunited to mourn their pup who passed away on July 28.Jennifer, 50, was completely heartbroken over the loss of her pet and understandably took it really hard. However, she apparently found some comfort after having Justin by her side to remember Dolly’s life with a special ceremony. The actress was aware of the fact that Justin had the same feelings for Dolly as  it’s a huge loss for both of them. They really did look at dog as one of their children and Jen appreciates that they were able to come together to support each other at a time like this.Jen and Justin shared Dolly for the many years they were together after getting engaged in 2012, though Jen first adopted the pup in 2005. While fans may have been surprised to see the two reunite.Jen is considered a very mature woman and the loss of Dolly was extremely tough but very moving for everyone as well including herself.  She apparently felt comfort  after having Justin back in the hours of  sorrow.  It was on July 28 that the heartbreaking news of the German Shepard’s passing hit the internet. Justin shared a message about the doggo’s passing via a heart wrenching Instagram post. “Tonight, at sunset, after a heroic struggle… our most loyal family member and protector, Dolly A. laid down her sword and shield.  She was surrounded by her entire family. “The one that never deserts, the one that never proves ungrateful… is the dog— faithful and true, even in death,” he wrote, citing a quote by George Vest. Alongside the post, the showbiz star shared a series of pics of the late pup covered in flowers as she was laid to rest. Fans couldn’t help but notice that upon clicking through a slideshow, they were met with a photo of Jen and Justin holding hands.While it doesn’t appear that these two are striking up a romance again anytime soon, it’s so sweet to see them come together through hard times. The couple announced their divorce in February of 2018 after tying the knot in 2015.

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Peshawar agriculture varsity employees demand full salaries

PESHAWAR: The teaching and non-teaching staff of the University of Agriculture on Monday threatened to go on strike from August 2 if they were not paid their full salary in time. The decision was made at a general body meeting of all the employees’ associations. The meeting was chaired by Agriculture University Teachers Association (AUTA) president Dr Sartaj Alam. The participants said the university administration has decided to pay 50 percent salaries to all the employees owing to financial problems in the university. They said it was unacceptable to them as Eid was drawing near and the university administration should give them bonus instead of cutting their salary. The employees urged the provincial government to look into the financial woes of the university and announce a bailout package for it at the earliest. They asked the university administration to take notice of the alleged illegal appointments made in the university during the last several years and take action against those responsible for pushing the university into the financial crisis.

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Balakot council approves Rs286m budget

MANSEHRA: Balakot Tehsil Council approved Rs286 millions budget for the ongoing financial year 2019-20 just after the tehsil nazim unfolded it in the council on Monday. “This is our last tax-free budget, which I am going to present before you as our four-year term is expiring next month,” Tehsil Nazim Ibrahim Shah told the council during his budget speech. He said that Balakot tehsil still reels from the effects of the 2005 earthquake, but they did whatever they could for the people as custodians of the council. “The major chunk of this budget would be spent on the development of our tehsil as only Rs54 million would go for the salaries and non-development share of the budget,” he added.The tehsil nazim said that Balakot tehsil would generate an amount of Rs220 million from its resources and taxes and an amount of Rs170 million would be transferred to it by the government as its share in Provincial Finance Commission award.

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ICT bans sacrificial animals sale, purchase in residential areas

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has imposed ban for setting up illegal sacrificial animals markets in the sectorial areas of the city, owing to the expected mass influx of sacrificial animals ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.According to a notification received here by ICT office on Monday, the influx of animals on roads, green belts and empty plots in various sectors of the federal capital pose not only a health hazard but also endanger a human life by creating traffic congestion. For this annual tradition, the ICT administration has specified only legitimate place in sector I-12 to accommodate the influx of over 100,000 animals keeping in view the public’s convenience. It was directed to take strict action against the sellers who violate the law by moving their sacrificial animals in bulk within the sectoral areas of ICT with the objective of higher profit, read the notification.

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Dealers to be booked over sale of substandard pesticides, seeds

SARGODHA: The district administration Monday directed all Assistant Commissioners (ACs) and agriculture extension officers to raid and register cases against dealers and sale point in-charges involved in overcharging and sale of substandard fertilizers, seeds and pesticides.Addressing a meeting of the district consultative committee and agriculture task force, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Silwat Saeed directed the officials concerned to take action against elements involved in overcharging and adulteration.All officials concerned and representatives of farmers associations also attended the meeting.Planning was underway to establish a marketing authority here, after which the role of middleman would be eliminated, the DC said. She assured farmers of Rs 2 billion pending payments for sugarcane crop by the Alarabia Sugar Mills and Rs190 million by the Bhalwal Sugar Mills.Deputy Director Agriculture Dr Basharat Ali told meeting that rice crop was being cultivated on 152,000 acres of land, sugarcane on 157,000 acres and citrus on 175,000 acres of land in the district. The department was also taking action against dealers selling zinc in the markets and so far 28 samples had been collected and one FIR registered in this regard.He said that during 2018 campaign against adulteration, total 147 samples had been collected and nine FIRs were registered while Rs160,000 fine was imposed on violators.Different banks have also distributed Rs650 million among 6,808 farmers and Rs109,000 fine was imposed on dealers involved in overcharging of fertilizers.

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Nine cops injured while chasing fleeing dacoits in Multan

MULTAN: As many as nine policemen, including Bahauddin Zakariya police SHO, were injured while chasing two dacoits who were fleeing after committing a crime near Northern Bypass on Monday.The Bahauddin Zakariya police received information that two dacoits were fleeing after committing a crime.At this, SHO Zaheer Babar along with eight policemen started chasing the dacoits and tried to stop the car of the dacoits. On seeing the police, the dacoits tried to flee from the spot. . In the meantime, the dacoits’ car collided with a footpath and later with the police mobile.The police vehicle also collided with the footpath. As a result, nine police personnel were injured. However, the police arrested the dacoits. Later, the injured cops were shifted to the Nishtar Hospital.

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National moot on vocational qualification framework today

Islamabad: The 'Conference on National Vocational Qualification Framework (NVQF): Opportunities & challenges-Way forward' organized by the National Vocational & Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), the apex technical and vocational education and training body of the country, will commence in Islamabad today (Tuesday).“The NVQF is one of the key components for establishing a uniform national system of qualifications, assessment and training that will support achieving the goals set under the National Skills for All TVET Strategy. It will help improve the quality of outcomes, quality of skills and providing sufficient knowledge that meets the needs of industry,” said Executive Director NAVTTC Dr. Nasir Khan.He said the NAVTTC has worked upon equivalencies of the NVQF levels with the general education system to synchronise the TVET system with the ongoing educations level.Dr Nasir said the NAVTTC had achieved an important milestone towards streamlining the TVET through the development of national vocational qualifications compatible with the international standards & requirements in 25 most important trades including high-tech fields like Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Mechatronics and Automation. Standardization of qualifications at National and International level performs a pivotal role in reforming TVET sector.He said the conference would be attended by the parliamentarians, ambassadors, industrialists, heads of all provincial TEVTAs, and the key stakeholders of skill sector and will provide a way forward towards augmenting, reforming and restructuring efforts in the TVET sector.

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Punjab minister leads dengue awareness walk

LAHORE: Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid on Monday participated in anti-dengue walk on Sanda Road.She distributed anti-dengue pamphlets among public during the campaign.Dr Yasmin Rashid said while talking to media that the basic purpose of this anti-dengue walk was to create awareness among masses regarding eradication of dengue. Special anti-dengue desks had been established in all government hospitals, she said adding that citizens should play vital role in combating dengue by keeping their homes, offices and workplaces clean. Punjab health department is taking basic steps to control dengue, she concluded.

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Over Rs1 bn looted through ATM skimming: FIA launches crackdown against gangsters

ISLAMABAD: Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has initiated crackdown against skimmers, active in drawing cash from ATMs by using expertise in computer technology, sources told The News.The Cyber Crime Wing has arrested two young men on information provided by an officer of operational department of a bank, the sources said.The sources claimed that the FIA has busted various gangs active all over the country and initiated massive crackdown in this regard.The gangs involved in the ATM fraud hire services of well-educated but jobless computer experts for the skimming as the complaints in this regard are increasing day by day.“Over a billion rupees have been scythed deceitfully from ATMs of different banks in major cities of the country by using a specific device in the ATM,” sources told The News.The FIA's Cybre Crime Wing with the collaboration of the IT experts of a bank initiated the countrywide operation against the gangsters involved in the ATM scam, the sources said.At initial phase, the Cyber Crime Wing, on the information of the bank official, have arrested two well-educated skimmers hailing from Lahore and Gujranwala.“Quite easy to get heavy amount without any hard-work and non-cognisable offence in books of the law,” the sources said and added, “The government and bank authorities should take it as serious national issue and should amend the law to capture such anti-social elements.”ATM frauds or commonly known as skimming is on the rise globally as well as in banking industry of Pakistan.Skimming is operated through corporal devices that are installed over the actual ATM card slots with card reader that captures data from cards that are then copied on replica counterfeit cards. Simultaneously a micro camera is installed above ATM key board to capture the customers secret pin code and finally getting access to account, the people engaged in the investigation of the case, disclosed.Executive officers of NAB Rawalpindi region with the help of the officials of FIA Cyber Crime Wing Islamabad, arrested active members of the skimming gang, the bank sources maintained.“Taking notice of rising trend of ATM skimming, a top banker has issued stern directives to all field staff and IT teams to be extra vigilant and proactive against this crime,” the sources said.The bank’s regional head, Rawalpindi, constituted a team of IT experts and asked the field staff to be vigilant and pay regular visits to ATMs especially after office hours and over weekends when skimmers are most active, the sources added.On July 7, 2019, staff of the bank branch in Rawalpindi visited their ATM in evening to find out if skimming devices have been installed. They immediately contacted their seniors and upon their advice contacted local police station. They, with the help of police, were able to arrest two members of the gang namely Tanveer Hussain S/o Muhammad Nawaz, resident of Gujranwala and Ali Ahmad S/o Safdar Ali hailing from Lahore who have come here to retrieve their skimming device installed a day earlier.The bank lodged complaint with appropriate forum and informed FIA cyber crime director who immediately took action and directed DD Cyber Crime to shift criminals to the agency.It is ironical that in banking industry of Pakistan, there are no proper follow-up of these complaints but banks paid to their clients mostly through insurance and no real effort is made to follow up and ensure arresting these skimmers. The bank sources told this scribe on the condition of anonymity that millions of rupees have been siphoned off and total amount in last 2 years may be over a billion rupees.Another aspect is that under the directives of State Bank of Pakistan, most of the branches of the banks are guard-less where guards are only present in branches in banking time and there is no guard(s) in branches after banking hours or over the weekends to keep a check on these skimming activities. As these skimmers enter ATMs sites in the absence of security guards, wearing helmets and masks to conceal their identities and install their devices without any resistance.FIA Cyber Crime, Islamabad has also arrested 2 more skimmers namely Waseem Aftab and Adil Saeed who are believed to be senior members of these skimming gangs.These fraudsters mostly target the accounts of pensioners and salaried class as these account holders are in a habit of checking their accounts at the most once a month on salary and pension days.Special legislation is required to counter these highly tactful crimes. For example card/ data of an account holder of a bank in Islamabad can be used anywhere in Pakistan for encashment, say in Quetta. The bank also may or may not be the same, thus it is very difficult to decide the real place of occurrence of crime, which is necessary for lodging of complaints.It is generally believed in banking industry that current fraud amount of skimming may just be the tip of the iceberg as with advancement of technology through credit cards and phone banking products and access of these high tech organised gangs to it.

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Cops chasing smugglers shoot dead passer-by in Peshawar

PESHAWAR: The police in the provincial capital have gone berserk as they shot dead a passerby in the crowded Phase-III Chowk of Hayatabad locality in a bid to stop alleged smugglers of foreign cloth.It was learnt that the cops of the Hayatabad Police Station were chasing the foreign cloth-carriers, locally called gandamars, and opened fire on them in the Phase-III Chowk to stop them. The cops managed to stop the gandamars, but one of the bullets hit a passerby, identified as Mudeer Khan. He was accompanied by his family members when he was hit by the bullet.People in the area got furious after seeing an elderly man lying in a pool of blood. A couple of women and other people got hold of the policemen on duty including an assistant sub-inspector and beat them up on the road.The wounded man was taken to the Hayatabad Medical Complex, but he succumbed to his injuries.“This is not the ‘misali’ (ideal) police that the government had promised us. It’s a complete failure of the government and the bosses of the force that their subordinates are now opening fire on the public in an urban area of the city and killing people while demanding more money from gandamars,” said an eyewitness who had seen the bleeding man.Another eyewitness said that many persons had implored the policemen not to open fire but they didn’t pay any heed.A large number of people gathered at the Hayatabad Phase-III Chowk after the incident and chanted slogans against the police force. The cops on duty became defensive after the firing incident and didn’t show any reaction to the slogans and slapping. The police officials also called an ambulance to shift the wounded man to the hospital. The videos of the incident made by the eyewitnesses went viral on social media prompting the government and the police bosses to start taking action against the cops.There were reports that Chief Minister Mahmood Khan had taken notice of the incident and directed the provincial police chief and capital city police officer to submit to him a report about it.Inspector General of Police Mohammad Naeem Khan and Capital City Police Officer Karim Khan ordered the suspension of the cop concerned and lodging a case against him.An official said they had also ordered departmental inquiry into the incident. “The SSP Operations has suspended the officer and closed him to the lines. The inquiry has also been ordered,” Inayat Ali Shah, the spokesman for the capital city police, told the members of the media.Hundreds of gandamars are allegedly paying money to policemen on the routes they use right from Khyber district via Hayatabad and Pishtakhara up to Chamkani and Nowshera despite the fact that the police no more have the authority to stop smuggling.

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China, Pakistan to strengthen anti-terrorism, security cooperation

BEIJING: A high-ranking Chinese official said on Monday China stands ready to strengthen anti-terrorism, law enforcement and security cooperation with Pakistan so as to provide a security guarantee to the construction of the Belt and Road as well as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.Guo Shengkun, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the CPC Central Committee, made these remarks in a meeting with Zubair Mahmood Hayat, Pakistan's Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee in Beijing on July 29, Monday.Hailing the two countries as "iron friends," Guo called for implementing the consensus reached by leaders of the two countries and strengthening the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, so as to foster a closer community with a shared future.The Pakistani military will continue to make all-out efforts to ensure the security of Chinese personnel, organisations and projects in Pakistan, Zubair said.

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PIMS facilitates first patient having ‘Sehat Insaf Card’

Islamabad: Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) provided free of cost diagnostic and therapeutic services to the first patient holding ‘Sehat Insaf Card’ here on Monday through ‘Sehat Sahulat’ Programme of the government.According to a PIMS spokesman, the PIMS Executive Director Raja Amjad directed the staff on Monday to facilitate a patient Raja Khalid Mehmood having ‘Sehat Insaf Card’.The patient availed the facility of ECG (electrocardiogram), angiography and angioplasty free of cost through the ‘Insaf Card’.After providing treatment facilities to the first ‘Sehat Insaf’ Card holder, the PIMS ED announced that all patients having the cards would be provided free of cost treatment at PIMS through ‘Sehat Sahulat’ Programme.It is important that ‘Sehat Sahulat Programme gives coverage for indoor healthcare services only for example major treatments like heart diseases (stents and open heart surgeries), diabetes mellitus complications, burns and accidents, dialysis, chronic infections complications, organ failure management, cancer management including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery, neurosurgical procedures and all secondary medical and surgical illnesses along with maternity package to promote mother and child health and all emergencies. It has insurance limit up to 720,000 per year.

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Two US service members killed in Afghanistan

WASHINGTON: Two US service members were killed in Afghanistan on Monday, the Nato-led Resolute Support mission said in a statement, as the United States seeks to reach a negotiated end to the nearly 18-year-old war.It gave no further details and withheld the names of the service members until next of kin were informed.The incident brings the number of US troops killed in Afghanistan this month to three and at least 11 in 2019.About 14,000 US troops are stationed in Afghanistan as part of the US-led Nato mission to train, assist and advise Afghan forces and to carry out counter-terrorism operations.The death toll from a suicide attack on the Kabul office of Amrullah Saleh, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s running mate in September elections, reached 20 with at least 50 wounded, officials said on Monday as cleanup operations began. US diplomats have been talking with the Taliban for months to agree a timetable for the withdrawal of foreign forces in exchange for security guarantees.

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Launch of e-billing system at NHA to ensure transparency, end corruption: Murad

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Communications and Postal Service Murad Saeed Monday said that launch of e-billing system in the National Highway Authority (NHA) would ensure transparency, eradicate corruption, save cost and time, increase efficiency and effectiveness and improve managerial control.Addressing a ceremony after formally inaugurating the e-billing system at NHA Headquarters, Murad Saeed said that e-billing system was part of the Prime Minister vision for ending corruption, improve transparency and provide good governance. He said by launch of NHA mobile application and now e-billing system, the NHA has opened all its record for the public and media. He said that NHA mobile app was launched to provide necessary information particularly the projects implementation, execution and progress in their desired region.He said that concrete proofs of kichbacks in NHA projects sent to National Accountability Bureau and commission constituted to investigate 10 years loans were available and nobly could challenge them.He said that the NAH generated Rs43.32 billion revenue during eleven months of fiscal year 2018-19 compared to Rs28.64 billion in 2017-18, registering an increase of 51.25 per cent during this period.Murad Saeed said that the ministry has recovered Rs7 billion and deposited the amount to the national kitty.The report said that billions of rupees were also recovered under the anti-encroachment campaign of the government; however, the recovery ratio during the last regime was nil.He said that a new system containing facilities such as e-billing, e-tendering, and mobile app has been introduced in the ministry to enhance transparency. During the previous government, the minister said that not only the minister and parliamentary secretary used vehicles of the NHA and received hefty TA and DA allowances but he did not spend a single penny of the national exchequer to cover the fuel or transport expenses and has not even claimed the TA&DA allowances. He said that the NHA launched an anti-encroachment drive in 2018-19 and 3,347 encroachments were removed and resultantly recaptured 448.25 kanals of land.He said that under Clean and Green Pakistan Programme, the NHA has planted 757,926 trees along motorways and national highways during 2018-19, and under this drive from August 1 to 14 this year, NHA would launch a new plantation drive.Referring to the visit of PM to US Murad said that Imran Khan contested the case of Pakistani nation.

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Flash floods destroy crop in Bajaur

KHAR: Flash floods destroyed standing crop in Barkhalose in Mamond tehsil in Bajaur district. Talking to reporters, one Asmatullah said the flash floods destroyed vegetables in Barkhalose, which inflicted heavy losses on the local farmers. He demanded the government to order construction of protection wall to protect the standing crops from flash floods. The residents asked the government to compensate the farmers for their losses.

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Three youngsters drown in Bara

BARA: Three persons drowned in Bara tehsil of Khyber tribal district on Monday, official and local sources said. Abdul Rauf, Abdul Rehman and Abdul Raziq were swimming in a deep pond in Tangi area in Bar Qambarkhel in Bara tehsil when they drowned. The locals rushed to place and retrieved the bodies. The victims would be laid to rest in Shinko area in Bar Qambarkhel today.

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Mardan traders stage protest against administration

MARDAN: Markazi Tanzeem-e-Tajiraan, Zahir Shah Group, staged a protest rally on Monday against the assistant commissioner for what they alleged was inappropriate behaviour with the traders.The rally started from the Mardan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and it turned into a protest meeting at the Pakistan Chowk. The rally was led by the president of the traders union and MCCI Zahir Shah, chairman Ghulam Sarwar and others.Addressing the protesters, the speakers criticised Assistant Commissioner Asadullah and accused him of harassing the traders. They asked chief minister, chief secretary, and commissioner Mardan to take action against the assistant commissioner.Later, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Abid Wazir told The News that the traders union created hurdles in removing the encroachments from bazaars and resisted implementation of government price-list and other check and balance system in the district.He believed the traders wanted selective justice but the administration will not toe their line. The official said when the district administration started operation and raids to control the price hike, remove encroachments and implement check and balance system in the district and especially in the city, the traders’ unions created hurdles.He added that there were two trader unions in the district and every union wants favours from the administration.The official added that administration would never compromise on price list, encroachments and implementation of check and balance system in the city. Assistant Commissioner Asadullah, while speaking to The News, rejected the allegations by the traders. He added that the trade union elections is drawing near, for which the union wished to use the administration.Asadullah added that he would continue his duty to control price hike and remove encroachments from bazaars.He added that the shopkeepers rent out footpaths to people and also encroach upon portions of roads.“When I take action against the encroachments and price hike, the traders' unions start criticising me,” he complained.Asadullah said people of Mardan are supporting, appreciating and highlighting his efforts, which is an honour.

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Traffic management plan: KP CM orders new strategy for Peshawar

PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has directed the officials concerned to formulate a comprehensive traffic management plan so as to resolve traffic congestion in the provincial capital.Chairing a meeting on the traffic management plan for Peshawar, he sought a detailed report highlighting all traffic related issues within 15 days.The chief minister directed the district administration, PDA and Police Department to undertake immediate measures to ensure smooth flow of traffic in the city. Mahmood Khan said an all-inclusive strategy should be formulated for the provincial capital to ensure optimum management and utilization of available resources.The CM stated that the traffic management policy should be executed in letter and spirit and pragmatic steps undertaken by PDA to solve the issues of drainage system in Peshawar city apart from ensuring plantation along the GT Road to minimize pollution. Mahmood Khan directed all the departments concerned to work collectively to resolve the issue of traffic congestion in Peshawar so as to ensure free and efficient flow of traffic.The meeting was also briefed about the overall development of the Peshawar city, service delivery, a comprehensive traffic management strategy, short-term and long-term policies for resolving the traffic congestion. The chief minister was informed that traffic signals would be introduced at all points in Peshawar.

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Arrest of accused who fired at tenants in Kaghan demanded

MANSEHRA: A number of people on Monday staged a protest rally in Naran and asked the government to arrest the suspects involved in firing at tenants in Soach area of Kaghan valley earlier this month."If those who fired at tenants were not arrested before August 7, we would hold protest demonstration outside Banigala residence of Prime Minister Imran Khan," Inayat Rehman, a leader of the protesters told the rally in Naran.Inayat Rehman alleged that a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf lawmaker from Balakot was backing the accused who were still at large and the police were yet to arrest them."We want justice and quashing of the first information report lodged against innocent people," he said. Mohammad Farid and others also spoke on the occasion.

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Teachers at Bara girls’ school sought

BARA: The elders in Khyber district on Monday asked the KP government to appoint staff at the Govt Girls’ High School at Bar Qambarkhel in Bara tehsil. Talking to reporters here, Qambarkhel Welfare Organisation chairman Hakeem Khan Afridi, Khan Afridi and others said the government upgraded the Government Girls’ High School Waliabad in 2007 but the staff had not yet been posted there. "The poor parents cannot afford to pay expenses for children's education in Peshawar and other cities due to poverty," social worker, Hakeem Khan Afridi said, adding, at least 90 percent people were poor and it was an injustice with the girl students not to appoint teachers.

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Role of pharmacists in health sector highlighted

ABBOTTABAD: Speakers here on Monday said that pharmacy played a vital role in the improvement of healthcare facilities.They were speaking at a two-day “Ist National Conference on Current Updates in Pharmacy Profession and Research at Comsats University Abbottabad campus.More than 50 scientists and research scholars from all over the country attended the conference. Speaking on the occasion as chief guest, Deputy Commissioner Abbottabad Amir Afaq quoted the example of the US where pharmacists played a key role in the diagnosis of the diseases. He said the pharmacists in the US had found simple and accurate ways to treat the patients through the latest research.The official said that in Pakistan too, the pharmacists played a significant role in the health sector. He said that pharmacy played an important role in the development of new drugs. Professor Dr Taous Khan, Chairman of Pharmacy Department at Comsats University, in his welcome address spoke at length about the role of pharmacists and said that country was lacking behind in this important sector.However, he said that the time had come to benefits from this field for the betterment of society.He added that the aim to hold the event was to bring together eminent pharmacy professionals, scientists, researchers and entrepreneurs from academia, industries, hospitals and health ministry to discuss and implement the latest changes in the field.Dr Abdul Jabbar Shah, head of the Pharmacy Department in his presentation underlined the importance of academia and healthcare institutions.He told the conference that a joint strategy would be made to overcome the challenges being faced by pharmacists and it would cover all areas namely pharmacology and therapeutics, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacy practice and clinical pharmacy and pharmaceutics and industrial pharmacy.Dr Arshad Pervez, Director, Comsats University Abbottabad campus, said that keeping in view the importance of the department, the management was giving importance to the growing trends in this field.He said that the Pharmacy Department had been updated with the latest labs and induction of highly qualified faculty to impart quality education to the students. The director added that students and faculty members were provided research facilities with the practical implementation of the latest and most modern research work.

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