Day: August 4, 2022

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Grenade at store selling flags in southwest Pakistan kills 1

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Al-Araby

Suspected separatists threw a grenade at a roadside store selling Pakistani national flags in southwestern Baluchistan province on Thursday night, killing a man and wounding 14 people, police said. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack in Quetta, the provincial capital. A senior police officer, Fida Hussain, said the wounded were taken to a nearby hospital. Wasim Baig, a spokesman for the provincial health department, said one of the wounded was in critical condition. For nearly two decades, Baluchistan has been the scene of a low-level insurgency by separatist groups demand… Continue reading “Grenade at store selling flags in southwest Pakistan kills 1”

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One person shot dead near Noshki

NOSHKI: One person was shot dead in Ainuddin road area of Noshki in Balochistan province on Thursday.

According to rescue sources, one person namely Hafiz Nisar Badini was gunned down by unidentified armed men in Ainuddin road area of district Noshki.

The assailants managed to escape after committing the crime. The body was shifted to Noshki hospital and later handed over to the heirs after fulfilling necessary medico-legal formalities. Further investigation into the matter was being conducted by the concerned authorities. A mourning atmosphere prevailed in the victim’s house.

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PM aide visits rain-affected areas of Kambar-Shahdadkot

SHAHDADKOT: Prime Minister’s advisor and member of PM’s Relief Committee Khial Das Kohistani said that there is an emergency situation in the whole of Pakistan due to the rains.

He said this during his visit to Kambar-Shahdadkot district on Wednesday. He said that they will assess the damage caused by the rains in Pakistan and make a report and give it to the Prime Minister of Pakistan to provide financial assistance to the victims of the rains. He further said that the rain has brought great destruction in Sindh due to which agriculture has suffered a lot.

On this occasion, MNA Mir Amir Magsi said that whatever damage has been done to the flood victims will be remedied. The flood victims who are working, who have agricultural development loans, will be given respite and subsidies will be given in fertilizers for crops and food. Will be given to the family of each deceased, and 2 lakh 50 thousand rupees will be given to each injured person. He further said that we have asked the Deputy Commissioner Qamber Shahdadkot to survey the damage done after the rain and give us a report so that we can submit the report to the Prime Minister of Pakistan and help the needy people.

He further said that a package will be announced soon for the relief of the rain-hit people of Sindh. He further said that on the orders of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, we have come here to review the facts on the ground.

On this occasion, Deputy Commissioner Qamber Shahdadkot Javed Nabi Khoso gave a briefing to the federal committee about the damage caused by rain. On this occasion, MPA Mir Nadir Magsi and DG PDM Sulaiman Shah and Irrigation officials were also present.

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CS says relief goods being distributed fairly in Balochistan

QUETTA: Chief Secretary Balochistan, Abdul Aziz Uqaili, Thursday that distribution of relief goods among the flood affectees of the province being ensured transparently.

Addressing the representatives of international and national Non-Governmental Organizations in Quetta, he said that rescue and relief activities were being monitored by the divisional commissioners in their respective divisions, adding that the genuine grievances of the affected persons were being redressed.

He said that the provincial government, specialized agencies of UN, welfare organizations and citizens saved hundreds of thousands of lives during the recent downpours were providing relief to the rain and flood affectees in different areas of the province.

He said that all available resources were being utilized to rehabilitate the affected families. Directing the concerned authorities to arrange free medical camps in the rain and flood affected areas, he said that availability of medicines for containing the outbreak of cholera and other diseases be ensured at any cost besides arranging camps for livestock. On the occasion, representatives of different organizations gave detailed briefing with regard to the relief and rescue operations of their respective organizations.

Representatives of WHO, UNICEF, UNHCR, World Food Program, Mercy Corps, Muslim Hands, Helping Hands, Qatar Charity, Taraqi Foundation, Islamic Relief, Saylani Trust, BRSP and others were amongst the attendants.

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Rs2.5bn approved to restore Karachi’s damaged infrastructure: CS

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Secretary Dr Muhammad Sohail Rajput during his visit to Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) informed the business community that Sindh government had approved Rs2.5 billion to restore the city’s damaged infrastructure after the monsoon rains, out of which Rs1.5 billion are for road maintenance on the routes of People’s Bus Services and rehabilitation of various other roads.

He agreed to hold regular meetings with the nominated representatives of the KCCI to take their input to resolve the upfront issues and develop the required infrastructure in Karachi. He said that Korangi Causeway project will be completed by June 2024 at a cost of Rs 5 billion. An IT Park will be built in Karachi under Public Private Partnership to tap the export potential in the IT sector. He asked business community of Karachi to participate in the development projects under Public-private partnership.

In response to the suggestion of Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala, he assured to consider having Citizen Oversight in the upcoming Karachi projects and put it up in the upcoming meeting of Sindh Cabinet meeting to discuss the possibilities. He further said that local body elections will be held on time and all other issues highlighted by KCCI will be resolved on priority basis including the pending salaries’ disbursement of fire brigade employees.

Chairman BMG and Former President KCCI Zubair Motiwala stressed on the need to properly utilize Infrastructure Cess on the development of infrastructure of Karachi and install Combined Effluent Treatment Plant at the allocated sites to treat the industrial waste. He also proposed to treat the domestic effluent which is around 52 MGD and reuse the treated water for industrial consumption citing the example of frequent water supply disruptions at SITE industrial area.

He further highlighted that both SRB and FBR are charging taxes on electricity bills which is double taxation and unjust. He stressed that tax should either be charged by the provincial or the Federal government.

He demanded that the under Article 158, 110mmcfd gas discovered in Ghotki Sindh should be allocated to Sindh after treating it to make it suitable for consumption. 20 mmcfd of this gas was allocated to Mari Gas to supply through SNGP system where industries in Sindh continued to face intense gas shortages. He stressed that all the provinces should have their own provincial gas transmission companies instead of relying on SSGC and SNGP only.

He emphasized on making a policy to effectively utilize the renewable energy corridor in Sindh for wind and solar power generation. Regarding restoration of debilitated road infrastructure of Karachi after rains, he opined to install pavers instead of asphalt carpeting on the road at vulnerable sites above water and sewerage lines as they are long lasting and allows easier repair.

Vice Chairman BMG and Former SVP KCCI Jawed Bilwani stressed on putting in place proper checks and balances to improve the quality controls of the infrastructure development projects. He also said that SBCA should make it a compulsory requirement to install the mechanism of rainwater harvesting in all new buildings to conserve water.

General Secretary BMG and Former President A Q Khalil requested the Chief Secretary to hold quarterly meetings of designated Additional Secretaries with the representatives of seven industrial town associations to discuss ways to resolve issues pertaining to water, sewerage, electricity and other infrastructure development.

President KCCI Muhammad Idrees urged the government to abolish infrastructure cess at Karachi sea port and airport to remove the disparity vis-à-vis other ports of the country. He stressed on proper utilization of the Rs. 1,100 billion Karachi package to develop the worn out infrastructure and take KCCI on board for joint efforts leading to better results. He stated that Census of Karachi should be done accurately again to ensure equitable distribution of resources for the deprived city.

New industrial zone is being set up at Hawks Bay but the business community lacks awareness for which he asked to be taken on board to jointly develop and attract investment in the zone. He also asked to develop projects including desalination plants, supply channels for KIV project, Power generation from solid waste among others. KCCI offered its assistance to Sindh Government to improve the infrastructure of the city.

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One coal miner killed, two injured in mishap near Harnai

HARNAI: One coal miner was killed and two others injured in a coal mine incident in Tehsil Sharug of district Harnai in Balochistan province on Thursday.

According to rescue sources, trolly turned turtle in PMDC’s lease No.160 in Shahrug area of District Harnai, resultantly, coal miner Shah Person, son of Abdul Manan, resident of Shangla, KPK died while two other coal miners sustained injuries.

The body and injured were retrieved from the coal mine and shifted to Harnai Hospital for completion of codal formalities and treatment, respectively. The body was handed over to the heirs for burial in his ancestral graveyard while the injured were being treated.

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Parliamentary Secretary presents rewards to best performing officers

ISLAMABAD: Parliamentary Secretary to Ministry of Communications Shahida Akhtar was the chief guest at National Highways and Motorway Police’s ‘Youm-e-Shuhada’ ceremony in Islamabad.

According to a statement issued on Thursday, Shahida was welcomed by Inspector General Khalid Mahmood before she addressed families of the martyred and distributed rewards to best performing officers of National Highways and Motorway Police.

In her address, the parliamentary secretary recognized the sacrifices of 45 martyred National Highways and Motorway Police officials including one lady officer who sacrificed their life in the line of duty. She also appreciated efforts made by NHMP and reiterated her commitment to improving the welfare of NHMP officers through advocating for an increase in salaries improving the welfare of families of martyred officers.

IG Khalid Mehmood thanked families of the martyred and emphasized the role of shuhada in the development of NHMP as an island of excellence. Mehmood thanked the Federal Minister for Communications Asad Mehmood, and Parliamentary Secretary to Ministry of Communications Shahida Akhtar Ali for their support and advocacy in improving the welfare of NHMP officers.

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US donates 36 vehicles to KP for surveillance of Covid, other infectious diseases

PESHAWAR: The United States government on Thursday donated 36 vehicles to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) health department through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to help strengthen surveillance and management of infectious diseases, including Covid-19.

The handover ceremony was held at the KP Governor’s House by US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome and KP Minister for Health and Finance Taimur Saleem Khan Jhagra. US Ambassador Donald Blome said that this year celebrates the 75th anniversary of the US-Pakistan friendship. “We are dedicated to making the world a better place for Pakistanis and are proud of our contributions to enhancing life in KP”, he added.

Donald Blome said that KP health practitioners are better able to offer precise and timely information in rural areas and aid health officials in making decisions that will protect the public thanks to these vehicles and the training made available by USAID.” Donald Blome was praised by Taimur for his visit and his assistance.

Talking to the media, Taimur said, “The KP Department of Health is grateful to USAID for the timely support of vehicles provided to all District Diseases Surveillance and Response Units in KP. These 36 vehicles will be fully utilized for COVID-19 surveillance as well as for vaccination campaign monitoring. We cherish our partnership with USAID for strengthening the health system in the province.” Across Pakistan, the US has donated 61 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to date, with an additional 16 million pediatric doses announced and expected to arrive soon.

Since the start of pandemic, the US government has provided nearly $70.4 million in direct support and $13.8 million in in-kind support to assist the Pakistani people in the fight against COVID-19, with another $20 million planned to support further vaccination efforts in Pakistan.

The US has also provided 200 ventilators for 64 Pakistani hospitals, which increased Pakistan s respiratory care capacity by 30 percent, and trained 400 healthcare workers on how to operate these ventilators. At the provincial level, the US, though USAID, provided disease surveillance and response teams in all 155 districts across Pakistan and supported the reconfiguration of a HealthAlert phone application for healthcare workers to report new cases of COVID-19 in rural areas.

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CM, MQM delegation discuss repair of infrastructure damaged

KARACHI: A 17-member MQM delegation, led by Khawaja Izharul Hassan Thursday called on Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah here at CM House to discuss repair and maintenance of the infrastructure damaged in Karachi and Hyderabad during recent heavy rains.

The other delegation members were Javed Hanif, Mohammad Hussain, Hamiduz Zafar, Rashid Khilji, Adeel Shahzad and others. Provincial Ministers, Sharjeel Memon, Nasir Shah, Saeed Ghani, Murtaza Wahab and Waqar Mahdi also attended the meeting.

MQM leader Khawaja Izhar told the chief minister that the heavy rains have badly affected the infrastructure of Karachi and Hyderabad. He added that the craters have developed in the roads and sewerage lines have also been damaged. Khawaja Izahr said that due to damaged roads and drainage lines, flow of traffic in both the cities, Karachi and Hyderabad has become a serious problem, therefore traffic jams have become the order of the day.

The chief minister told the MQM delegation that his government has already allocated Rs5 billion for the repair and maintenance of the roads and sewerage system of the city. He added that another amount of Rs1.5 billion was approved by the cabinet to repair damaged road and drainage lines located on the route of seven Peoples Bus Service launched recently in the city.

Mr Shah said that a separate budget for repair of roads of Hyderabad has also been approved by the assembly. He assured the visiting delegation that the repair and maintenance works in both the cities would be started very soon. The CM said that he has also directed all the deputy commissioners, including of the city to assess the losses and damages caused by heavy rains to the life, property/houses, crops so that necessary action could be taken to support the people.