Agriculture & IT are mainstay of pakistan’s economy, says Muhammad Aurangzeb

September 10, 2024

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Federal Minister for Finance & Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb has said that agriculture and information technology are the backbone of our economy and the real levers of economic growth of the Country.

The minister made these comments during a call on him by the Deputy Director in the Office of International Affairs at the US Commodity Future Trading Commission (CFTC) Kevin Piccoli.

The Chairman SECP Akif Saeed and senior officials from the Finance Division and officials from US Embassy in Pakistan also attended the meeting.

Mr. Kevin Piccoli, Deputy Director at the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), visits Finance Division to call on Federal Minister for Finance & Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb in his office today. #Finance #USPakistanRelations pic.twitter.com/y9bD10LPVb
— Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan (@Financegovpk) September 10, 2024

The meeting discussed the role of agricultural commodities market and the collaboration between SECP and CFTC for an ongoing series of capacity-building training sessions on the development of commodities futures market, regulation and oversight leading to a well-functioning commodities market in Pakistan.

Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb welcomed the initiative and highlighted the role of agriculture in Pakistan’s economy, particularly its contribution to the GDP of the country.

The minister noted that while Pakistan’s economy during FY2024 grew by 2.38 percent, agriculture emerged as a main driver of economic growth, registering an impressive growth of 6.25 percent due to double- digit growth in output of major crops.

Muhammad Aurangzeb said that both agriculture and IT in Pakistan were largely driven by domestic factors and a healthy and consistent growth in these sectors was a positive sign and a stabilizing factor in view of their export potential for national economy.

NA Speaker announces action against arrest of PTI leaders from Parliament

September 10, 2024

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq announced an action against the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders from the Parliament, and sought video footage of all the gates and entry/exit points of the Parliament to fix the responsibility for arresting PTI lawmakers from the Parliament’s premises.

Last night, Islambad Police arrested PTI lawmakers including its Chairman Barrister Gohar and Sher Afzal Marwat among others from the premises of the Parliament House.

While Amir dogar, Shiekh Waqar Akram, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Shafqat Awan, and Maulana Naseem had to seek shelter in the Parliament to avoid arrest.

Separately, police also arrested PTI leader Shoaib Shaheen from his Office in Islamabad.

Responding to points of order raised by various members of the House on Tuesday, the Speaker assured the House that strict action will be taken, in consultation with all the political parties, to prevent such incidents in future.

Sources said that the Speaker summoned the IG Islamabad along with the SSP Operations and DIG, to the Speaker’s Chamber, according to sources.

The Speaker directed that details as who has been arrested and who is currently in custody along with the specifics of the cases, be presented immediately.

Ayaz Sadiq also demanded video footage from the Cabinet Secretariat, Gate One, Gate Five, and lobbies from the Sergeant, as per sources.

Meanwhile, senior members from both the government and the opposition held a consultation with the Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq regarding the action to be taken on the incident that occurred in the Parliament last night.

Ali Muhammad Khan, Shandana Gulzar, and Hamid Raza were representing the opposition in discussions with the Speaker.

Defence and Martyrs Day Commemorated in Ankara

September 10, 2024

ANKARA, Turkiye: Pakistan’s Defence and Martyrs Day was commemorated in Ankara, paying tribute and homage to the indomitable courage of the armed forces and martyrs who sacrificed their lives in successfully defending the motherland from threats to Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and stability.

The Turkish Minister of Trade H.E Prof. Dr Omer Bolat graced the occasion as chief guest and Commander Turkish General Staff (TGS) General Metin Gurak as guest of honour.

Among other guests were Former Minister for Interior Mr. Efkan Ala, Member Parliament Dr. Hasan Sert, Governor Ankara Vasip Sahin, Former Chairman SSB Prof. Dr Ismail Demir, Turkish ambassador designate to Pakistan Irfan Neziroglu, Deputy Commerce Minister Mustafa Tuzcu, Deputy Chief of TGS General Kemal Yeni, high ranking Turkish civil and military officials, ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, defence & military Attaches, media persons and members of Pakistani community.

In his remarks, Turkish Minister of Trade H.E Prof. Dr Omer Bolat appreciated exemplary and historic bilateral relations, in particular flourishing defence ties and excellent cooperation between the armed forces of Pakistan and Turkiye.

Referring to Ambassador Junaid as his special friend, Minister Bolat acknowledged his role in further strengthening of bilateral ties and economic cooperation between the brotherly countries.

Minister Bolat highlighted that trade volume between Pakistan and Turkiye has increased by 42% in the first eight months of the year and both countries are committed to reaching the US$ 5 billion trade target, set by the leadership.

While highlighting strategic Pakistan Turkiye partnership, Commander Turkish General Staff (TGS), General Metin Gurak paid tribute to the sacrifices of the martyrs and valour of Pakistan Armed Forces.

He stated that mutual sharing of experiences and expertise in the defence industry between Pakistan and Turkiye would strengthen the defence of both countries.

Ambassador Dr. Yousaf Junaid began his speech with prayers for the Turkish Gendarmerie soldiers, who lost their lives, in an accident, while on duty in Tunceli.

Highlighting the significance of September 6, ambassador Dr. Yousaf Junaid stated that over the past 77 years, three major wars were imposed on Pakistan, apart from several skirmishes and numerous rounds of unprovoked clashes. Our perseverance has left a lesson that peace-loving, brave and self-respecting nations, determined to sacrifice lives for their country could not be defeated by force and belligerence.

Ambassador Junaid reiterated that Pakistan believes in dialogue over conflict and in cooperation over confrontation. Unfortunately, the non-resolution of Jammu and Kashmir dispute is hampering the pace of positive development in the region.

Resolution of the Kashmir dispute according to United Nations Security Council resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmir people is vital for regional peace and security, he added.

Ambassador thanked the Turkish nation for standing with Pakistan and Pakistani people through thick and thin.

Pakistani nation commemorates Defence Day on 6th September each year to honour the sacrifices of Pakistan’s valiant armed forces, their professionalism, dedication and devotion with which they have served the nation. The 1965 war stands out in Pakistani history as a symbol of unwavering national resolve, courage, strong will and unmatched spirit of sacrifice.

Congressman Al Green Honored with Prestigious Sitara-I-Khidmat Award

September 10, 2024

Al green’s contributions have played a pivotal role in deepening pak-us diplomatic and economic ties: Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh

WASHINGTON DC: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh has been decorated Congressman Alexander N. Green with the prestigious Sitara-i-Khidmat for his outstanding contribution in strengthening Pakistan-US relations; his support for promotion of positive image of Pakistan in the US Congress and his role in combating Islamophobia.

The special investiture ceremony held at the Embassy of Pakistan Washington D.C. on Tuesday was attended among others by Congressman Randy Weber, Representative Henry Ceullar, former Congressman Nick Lampson, Texas State Representative Rep. Suleman Lalani, diplomats and prominent members of the Pakistani American community from Texas and DMV area.

“Today we have gathered here to recognize an extraordinary individual whose contributions have significantly strengthened the friendship between Pakistan and United States,” said Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh in his welcome remarks.

“Your tireless efforts, geared to promoting positive image of Pakistan across various forums, have certainly played a pivotal role in deepening diplomatic and economic ties between our two nations,” said the Ambassador.

Recalling the visit of Congressman Al Green to Pakistan during devastating floods of 2022, the Ambassador observed that Representative Al Green not only travelled to Pakistan to express his solidarity with the people of Pakistan at a most difficult time but he also returned to the US Congress to passionately advocate for timely assistance.

“Your call to the wealthier nations at that point in time to step in and step up, given Pakistan’s minimal contribution to the global emissions, demonstrated your genuine concern for justice and equity at the global level,” observed the Ambassador.

Expressing his gratitude to the Government and the people of Pakistan for the honor, Congressman Al Green said that he considered that as a “continuation of the extension of the hand of friendship” between the two great nations.

“I went to Pakistan because there was a need in Pakistan. I went because the people of Pakistan, whom I consider a part of my family, were suffering,” said Rep. Al Green.

Recalling his fond memories of Pakistani society, Congressman Al Green said that we must not allow any wedge to come between the people of Pakistan and the people of the United States of America.

“No wedge between us. We cannot allow it. We have too much in common and our needs for each other are too great,” observed the Congressman.

“It is my desire that we will continue to build our people to people relationships to have a lasting relationship that can make a difference for the countries that I represent and that I am eager to see again when I return to Pakistan,” observed Rep. Al Green while referring to decades long mutual cooperation between the two nations.

Besides highlighting and appreciating humanitarian causes, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh also lauded Congressman Green’s invaluable contributions towards combating terrorism in the region and his support for significant legislative initiatives like the Pakistan Enduring Assistance and Cooperation Enhancement Act of 2009.

Ambassador Rizwan Sheikh said that Pakistan and the United States shared long standing relationship built on shared values, mutual respect and common ideals.

The envoy said that the two nations, for more than seven decades, have collaborated on multiple fronts, promoting peace, advancing economic development, and addressing global challenges such as terrorism and climate change.

“The strength of our partnership lies in strong people to people connections and Congressman Al Green has played a critical role in nurturing this important bond,” said the Ambassador.

Mohsin Naqvi, Aimal Wali Khan discuss measures to establish peace in KPK

September 10, 2024

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met the Awami National Party (ANP) President Senator Aimal Wali Khan on Tuesday, and discussed matters of mutual interest and the Country’s current situation.

During the meeting, they also talked about measures to establish peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The interior minister said that terrorism in all its forms is condemnable. The national narrative against terrorism is the voice of Pakistan. Everyone must unite to tackle terrorism.

Mohsin Naqvi said that the ANP has bravely confronted terrorism, and its people have sacrificed their lives in this war. “We pay tribute to them.”

“It is time to rise above political and factional differences and cleanse Pakistan of terrorist groups. God willing, with public support, we will eliminate the terrorists,” added Mohsin Naqvi.

Aimal Wali Khan assured the ANP’s support for anti-terrorism efforts, stating, “The terrorists have martyred innocent people. We stand with you in this war.”

Healthy Aging: September is Healthy Aging Month

September 10, 2024

By Dr Attia Anwar

September is Healthy Aging Month, a time to raise awareness about the physical and mental health of older adults. Everyone wants to look young. It is a big compliment for people “Oh you look younger”. This is because youth is identified with beauty, rigor, and energy. However, you can be energetic, healthy, and radiant in your old age too, by taking care of yourself and embracing your age.

Experience and wisdom that come with old age have no match provided we are ready to learn and have a growth mindset. Being in my fifties I can very well relate to this notion. People are having the best years of their lives at a later age. Today’s article is about the scientific view on healthy aging and accepting it with dignity and grace.

Society’s glorification of youthful appearance and beauty can make older people feel inadequate or invisible

Aging is a natural process so there is nothing like anti-aging. Anti-aging is like we can do something against natural things like anti-menopause. A healthy lifestyle helps you to be healthy at every age. A positive view of old age and planning for that benefits longevity and good health. Being future-minded and evolving and changing keeps our organs young. Throughout history, people have been searching for some elixir that preserves youth. And this desire for a magical pill or tonic has sired a lot of scientific research in this field. Staying healthy and feeling your best is important at any age. Growing older brings a lot of changes in your life. Examples are retirement from work or moving children away from home. Coping with these changes is sometimes difficult and that will bring a toll on the body too, as mind and body are connected. But if we focus more on the positive aspects of aging like having more time, freedom, experience, and wisdom we will feel more energetic. We will stay healthy and reinvent ourselves through landmarks of sixty, seventy, eighty, and beyond. You have to find new things you enjoy or revisit your life and find hobbies or things you wish you could do. These are the things that you were passionate about but were unable to do due to other responsibilities.

If you focus on healthy eating and be physically active, you can enjoy vigorous health better than many young people

Inevitable aging is associated with changes in physical appearance, like sagging skin, wrinkles, and grey hair. Society’s obsession with youth and beauty often leads to negative perceptions of these changes. It has a significant effect on social relationships, self-confidence, and self-esteem. Society’s glorification of youthful appearance and beauty can make older people feel inadequate or invisible. If we take the pressure of unrealistic expectations of society or obsessed with youthful physical appearance, it results in low self-esteem and an inferiority complex. That can lead to depression, anxiety, and diminished life satisfaction. Raising awareness about aging and its impact on older individuals is crucial. We must shift our perspective from youthful appearance towards healthy aging with healthy activities

There is also an element of fear attached to old age, like how will be I able to take care of myself in later life? What will happen if I will lose my spouse? However, these fears are mostly based on popular misconceptions or myths. The first myth is aging means health decline and disability. Although a few diseases are more common in old age, getting older automatically does not mean poor health. If you focus on healthy eating and be physically active, you can enjoy vigorous health better than many young people. Being physically active and connected to nature like plants is a very important aspect of healthy aging. The second thing is memory loss is an inevitable part of aging. That is also not an absolute truth. You may not remember things as easily as when you were young. But if you do brain training or learn new skills you can easily deal with that. The third and one of the most damaging myths is you cannot learn new things after a certain age. However, learning new skills is possible and very good for your health and brain in old age. So, you should find something new to learn. It can be a new language, dance, yoga, painting, or anything. Or you can find things which you have always wanted to do like you can pick up some old neglected hobby. It will boost your brain and body.

Looking young is not very important for your health. But if you feel young, it will radiate on your appearance also. You feel young when you are healthy and fit. A healthy diet that is fresh and plant-based helps you in your outward and inward appearance. Having good sleep also has a good effect. Staying active physically like walking, playing sports, swimming, dancing, and yoga will prevent the aging of muscles and keep you independent. Keeping mental stress low, will prevent memory loss and keep better cognition. That can be done by meditation, social connections, traveling, and full retreats to cleanse your body and mind. You can live a much-fulfilled life in old age by adopting a healthy lifestyle and staying connected to people in a meaningful and positive way.

Having said that, I clearly understand that this is a reality also, that there comes a time in life if we are lucky enough to reach very old age. When we become fragile and dependent on our loved ones. We cannot make our own decisions and depend on others, how they help us in living and then journey to the other side in a dignified manner. When that time comes either we or people around us must say this is the person who lived fully as much as he or she could. Let us start this month with a proactive approach to aging, staying active and independent along the way.

The author Dr. Attia Anwar is a consultant family physician with a postgraduate degree from the Royal College of GP UK. She is a strong advocate of health and well-being and wants patient participation in decision-making regarding health.

NGOs Representatives working for Afghan Refugees’ welfare meet Amir Muqam

September 9, 2024

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Federal Minister for States and Frontier Regions Engineer Amir Muqam on Monday held meeting with representatives of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) working for the welfare of Afghan Refugees.

Chairing the meeting, Amir Muqam said that today’s meeting was aimed to strengthen working coordination between the Ministry and NGOs.

“Our priority must be to provide assistance and help to maximum people,” he said.

Engineer Air Muqam He said that NGOs should keep in mind the requirements of the present day and concentrate on the implementation of projects.

The minister said that the ministry would also provide all possible assistance and coordination.

The federal minister also said that in order to extend assistance to maximum needy people NGOs should identify the issues currently faced and utilize the funds accordingly.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary, States and Frontier Regions Zafar Hassan, Joint Secretary SAFRON Agha Waseem Ahmad and Chief Commissioner for Afghan Refugees Abbas Khan.

The representatives of NGOs briefed in details Federal Minister about their respective fields of working including livelihood improvement and vocational skills Training projects for Afghan Refugees and support for income generation activities, GBV, WASH, Psychosocial Support, education, and health for refugees

They highlighted the role of NGOs in national development and humanitarian response in Pakistan.

The federal minister appreciated the briefing given by representatives NGOs about their respective areas of working.

Pakistan received foreign loans worth US$ 57.27 billion exluding IMF in last five years

September 9, 2024

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Pakistan received an amount of US$ 57.27 billion in foreign loans excluding those taken from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the last five years.

To a question seeking the details of total foreign loans received by the government for the last five years, the Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema told the National Assembly in writing that the foreign loans excluding the IMF loans received by the government from July 01, 2018 to June 30, 2023 amounted to US$ 57,271.78 million.

Out of this amount, US$ 9,818.95 million were received against the project financing, the minister told.

The minister told that the total amount of interest/markup paid, against these foreign loans acquired during the said period, was US$ 3,903.87 million out of which US$ 889 million were paid as markup against project loans.

Providing further details about the projects which were started from domestic loans apart from the foreign loans, the minister said that the domestic loans were primarily obtained either through auctions of government of Pakistan securities or debt raised through the Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS).

Ahad Cheema further told that the primary purpose of the domestic financing was deficit financing and maintaining reasonable cash buffer for the government. No project financing was carried out through domestic debt operations, he added.

Gandapur truly represented Imran Khan in the Sangjani rally by abusing women

September 9, 2024

Islamabad, Pakistan: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has become a byword for vandalism, slur throwing, abusive comments on women, and attacking state institutions and the same was exhibited at its Sangjani public gathering.

The main speaker of the event was Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur who was involved in the May 9 Mutiny and again incited PTI followers against the Pakistan Army and provoked the gathering against other state institutions such as the Police and law enforcement agencies. Political observers believe that PTI by design instigates the public against the Pakistan Army but no action against taken against its leadership and even a Chief Minister who is of Constitutional status is involved in hate-mongering against the state. Should no action be taken against Gandapur?; this is the question that the majority of political observers ask in Islamabad.

The only pleasantry of this public gathering was that senior politician Mahmood Khan Achakzai showed the mirror to PTI in the meeting by telling PTI followers PTI is such a chaotic and unorganized party full of pickpockets and he also said that such unorganized people cannot bring revolution in any way and left the stage soon thereafter.

The language used by Ali Amin Gandapur in the Islamabad rally is exactly as per the narrative of PTI, this is the dirty talk PTI cult workers are happy to hear and this is the characteristic of the founder of the party who is in jail nowadays. However, abusing female journalists has created a serious situation for CM Gandapur as Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists strongly condemned the use of foul language against the journalist community and women journalists and President Tariq Virk, Secretary Asif Bashir Chaudhary, Finance Secretary Nadeem Chaudhary and the entire organization including the elected members of the Executive Council condemned the use of vulgar and shameful language by the Chief Minister KPK against the journalist community.

The statement of RIUJ has said that during his regime, former Prime Minister Imran Khan had also been making many unjustified accusations and criticisms including selling on the media, but now he is in jail and now his post is being managed by Ali Amin Gandapur who os using same language against women as well as journalists. RIUJ added that the use of derogatory language about the entire journalistic community and women in particular has proved that PTI did not learn anything in the past but RIUJ would not let the PTI do so against journalists and soon will announce a line of action against this behavior of the PTI leader and the accusations against the journalistic community.

Journalists belonging to KP are of the view that the language used by Ali Amin Gandapur regarding women in the rally is contrary to Pashtun traditions and he had earned shame for Pashtun journalists.

Chairperson BISP hosts Live E-Katcheri to address beneficiaries’ concerns

September 9, 2024

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Senator Rubina Khalid conducted a Live E-Katcheri Session at BISP Headquarters in Islamabad on Monday.

During the session, Senator Rubina Khalid directly interacted with beneficiaries via BISP’s official Facebook account, listening to their concerns and issuing immediate directives for the resolution of their complaints.

Over the course of the one-hour live session, 34 people from across the Country called in.

The callers asked questions related to their enrollment in the Benazir Income Support Programme, eligibility criteria, and stipend information for the Benazir Kafaalat, Taleemi Wazaif, and Nashonuma programmes.

Senator Rubina Khalid addressed their queries in real time and instructed officers to resolve the issues on an urgent basis.

The Chairperson BISP informed the callers that if, for any reason, a deserving woman is unable to withdraw her stipend on time, the amount is added to her next installment, which she can receive as a lump sum.

Senator Rubina Khalid further explained that payments are currently being made under a new banking model to ensure the distribution of funds to deserving women in a dignified and transparent manner.

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