Planning Development and Special Initiatives Minister Ahsan Iqbal
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Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has encouraged the private sector to play an active role in addressing economic challenges
As per details, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has said that Pakistan is facing dual challenges of economic stability and climate change that require a strategic, coordinated, and results-oriented approach. He also encourages the private sector to participate actively.
He had a telephonic conversation with senior trade leader Iftikhar Ali Malik.
He informed the Iftikhar Ali Malik that the all-economic strategies are being aligned with the National Economic Transformation Plan, URAAN Pakistan – 2024-2029.
Ahsan Iqbal laid the stress on bridging the gap between academia and the private sector and both are essential for fostering technological advancement and skill development.
It is worth mentioning that Ahsan Iqbal ensured the government’s commitment to policy reforms and institutional partnerships to facilitate collaboration.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Picture Credit : APP
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President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces for stopping the invasion at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in North Waziristan.
As per details, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif praised the security forces in their messages for the quick operation and killed 16 terrorists at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in North Waziristan.
The President said that Pakistan’s armed forces are brave and fully committed to protecting the country’s borders. He added that operations against terrorists will continue until terrorism is completely wiped out.
The Prime Minister said that the entire nation stands with the armed forces, who are defending the country with great courage and determination.
An FIR has been registered against Dr Mahrang Baloch, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) chief organizer, and 150 others.
Reportedly, the police have filed an FIR against Dr Mahrang Baloch, chief organizer of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), and 150 others on the offense of violence and forcibly taking away bodies from a morgue.
The police claimed that the members of BYC attacked the Civil Hospital Quetta morgue and took away the bodies of five ‘militants’, involved in train hijackers earlier this month.
The FIR has been registered at Sariab Police Station on March 22, under the different sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) and the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).
The FIR cover offences like terrorism, murder and attempted murder, incitement to violence and rebellion, creating disorder and promoting racial hatred, and property damage.
he FIR also includes the names of several important BYC leaders, such as Beebow Baloch, Gulzadi Satakzai, Dr. Sabiha Baloch, Sabatullah Baloch, Gulzar Dost, Riaz Gashkori, and Dr. Shali Baloch.
According to the FIR, these leaders are accused of encouraging rioters to shoot at police officers, bystanders, and even their own protesters. This violence led to the deaths of three people and injured 15 police officers.
Another FIR, filed at the Civil Lines Police Station, accuses around 100 to 150 BYC supporters of forcing their way into Civil Hospital, breaking into the morgue, and taking away the bodies. The report also says they stopped a private ambulance at Hockey Chowk, attacked the driver, and loaded the bodies into the ambulance.
In addition, an FIR at the Brewery Police Station accuses BYC leaders Gulzadi Baloch, Ali Jan, Shoaib, Syed Noor Shah, Waheed, Jahanzeb, Zohaib Baloch, and over 100 others of blocking the Western Bypass Road in Quetta on Saturday. They are also accused of chanting slogans against the state and encouraging public disorder.
Police officials say that Dr. Mahrang Baloch’s arrest has not been officially announced. She is not in Civil Lines Police custody and is currently being held in Quetta District Jail under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) law.
President of Azerbaijan extends warm wishes on Pakistan Day, Picture Credit: APP
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President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Pakistani nation on the occasion of Pakistan Day.
Reportedly, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev wrote a letter to the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and congratulated him.
He said, “On behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, I sincerely congratulate you and your brotherly people on the occasion of the national holiday of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan – Pakistan Day, extending my best wishes.”
He further said, “The current level of the Azerbaijan-Pakistan strategic partnership and our cooperation, which is enriched with new content day by day, is a source of great satisfaction.”
“Our successful joint activities in the economy, transport, logistics, energy, investment, defense industry, and several other areas of mutual interest are among the key factors determining our ties,” he added.
He said, “At the same time, the alignment of our positions on international issues and our mutual support serve as a clear expression of the Azerbaijan-Pakistan brotherhood, contributing to the fundamental interests of our countries and peoples.”
“We attach exceptional importance to the comprehensive development of our relations, which are built on strong foundations such as common cultural values and solidarity, stemming from the deep affection, respect, and trust between our brotherly peoples. The intensity of high-level visits, meetings, and contacts is a clear indication of the dynamic growth of our cooperation,” he continued.
The President said, “I highly appreciate our productive meeting held in an atmosphere of mutual trust, understanding, and sincerity during your state visit to Azerbaijan last month, as well as the exchange of views and discussions we had.”
“The agreements we reached on the future directions of Azerbaijan-Pakistan relations in various fields, along with the numerous documents signed during the visit, will contribute to further expanding the scope of our bilateral agenda and realizing our economic and trade potential in different areas,” he added.
He expressed confidence that the traditional friendship and strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, “On this significant day, I wish you good health, happiness, and success in your endeavors, and the brotherly people of Pakistan everlasting peace, prosperity, and well-being”.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Picture Credit: Radio Pakistan
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Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved the Honhaar Scholarship program for students from Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), providing them with financial support for higher education in Punjab.
As per details, CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved the Honhaar Scholarship program for students from Gilgit-Baltistan.
Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) government spokesperson Faizullah Firaaq said in his statement that this initiative reflects Punjab’s commitment to promoting education and empowering students from remote areas.
He also praised the Punjab government for promoting knowledge-friendly policies.
In his statement, he called the educational policies as commendable and the sign of goodwill towards the youth of GB.
Under the scholarship scheme, students enrolled in professional educational institutions in Punjab will be eligible for financial assistance.
The initiative aims to ensure equal educational opportunities and foster academic excellence among students from Gilgit-Baltistan.
The Honhaar Scholarship is expected to benefit hundreds of students from the region, helping them pursue careers in various professional fields.
It is worth mentioning here that the GB government expressed its gratitude to CM Maryam Nawaz for her support in bridging educational gaps and promoting inter-provincial cooperation.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Picture Credit : Radio Pakistan
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Prime Minister(PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Friday extended warm greetings to the Hindu community in Pakistan as they celebrated the festival of Holi.
As per details, Prime Minister(PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Friday extended warm greetings to the Hindu community in Pakistan in a message on his official X account.
The prime minister highlighted the significance of Holi, calling it a celebration of love, renewal, and the victory of good over evil.
He emphasized that the festival symbolizes new beginnings and strengthens relationships while also underscoring the importance of diversity and inclusion in fostering a united nation.
“May this festival of colors fill your lives with happiness, health, success, and prosperity. Happy Holi!” he said in his message.
Pakistan Tareek i Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has filed a petition in the Supreme Court of Pakistan, challenging the transfer of judges from other provinces to the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
Reportedly, Pakistan Tareek i Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan under Article 184(3) of the constitution, has filed a petition in the Supreme Court of Pakistan, challenging the transfer of judges from other provinces to the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
Imran Khan’s legal team raised concerns about the transfer of three judges to the IHC in February.
The judges transferred were Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar from Lahore High Court, Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro from Sindh High Court, and Justice Muhammad Asif from Balochistan High Court.
Justice Dogar has now been appointed as the interim chief justice of the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
Imprisoned Imran Khan argued that the judge transfers were done without transparency, proper consultation, or a valid reason in the public interest.
His petition claims the transfers were part of a plan to appoint judges who support the government, weakening the judiciary’s independence.
The petition says that judicial independence is a key part of Pakistan’s democracy.
The petition further alleged that the transfers were a punishment to the judges who had ruled fairly in the past, especially in cases involving Khan.
The petition claimed that these transfers disturbed the seniority of judges, with newly transferred judges given top positions, including acting chief justice, without taking the required oath.
Khan’s legal team says this damages the judiciary’s integrity and reduces public trust in the courts.
It is worth mentioning that the petition raised questions on the transparency in the transfers, and Imran Khan has asked the Supreme Court to cancel the February 1 notification to ensure the future judicial transfers are transparent and independent.
Security Forces Rescue Passengers After Successful Operation in Balochistan, Picture Credit: Radio Pakistan
Security forces rescued 155 hostages and killed 27 terrorists after militants hijacked the Jaffar Express in Balochistan’s Bolan district. Officials guaranteed to continue the operation until all militants are eliminated.
Reportedly, on Tuesday, the Jaffar Express , carrying over 400 passengers in nine bogies, was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar , when armed terrorists hijack the train and make the passengers as hostage.
The terrorists bombed the railway track before attacking the train, opening fire on the locomotive and injuring the driver.
The train was hijacked near a remote, mountainous area close to the Afghanistan-Iran border.
Security forces quickly cordoned off the area and launched an operation despite the difficult terrain.
Railway officials confirmed earlier that 57 rescued passengers arrived in Quetta early Wednesday, while 23 remained in Machh.
According to security sources, they have rescued one hundred and four hostages, including fifty-eight men, thirty-one women, and fifteen children held by terrorists.
Seventeen passengers were injured and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Security forces have killed 27 terrorists.
According to sources, the attackers were using satellite phones to communicate with handlers abroad, including a mastermind in Afghanistan.
They also used women and children as human shields, making the rescue mission more challenging.
The Balochistan government has declared an emergency in a province. The medical staff were called in Sibi and Civil Hospital Quetta for injured passengers.
An information desk was set up at Quetta Railway Station to provide updates on the incident.
It is worth mentioning here that President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack, praising security forces for their swift response.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Picture Credit: Radio Pakistan
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Punjab Chief Minister (CM)Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed authorities to take strict action against the illegal overcharging of beneficiaries of the Ramadan package across the province.
Reportedly, Punjab Chief Minister (CM)Maryam Nawaz Sharif issued directives today; emphasizing on zero tolerance for those exploiting vulnerable citizens and instructed officials to ensure uncompromising legal action against violators.
She asked the relevant authorities to take strict action against the illegal overcharging of beneficiaries of the Ramadan package across the province.
The Chief Minister also urged beneficiaries to report any instances of overcharging by calling the Punjab government’s toll-free helpline at 0800-02345.
Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah announced that the commencement of the distribution of Solar Home Systems (SHS) to 200,000 low-income households, aiming to provide sustainable and affordable electricity.
As per details, on Thursday, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah announced the commencement of the distribution of Solar Home Systems (SHS) to 200,000 low-income households, aiming to provide sustainable and affordable electricity.
While speaking at the Solar Home Systems distribution ceremony in Karachi, the CM emphasized that the initiative will support families still recovering from the devastating 2022 floods.
He highlighted that the Sindh Solar Project is a significant step towards energy independence and improving the quality of life for underprivileged communities.
Murad Ali Shah also explained the Sindh government’s target to complete the distribution of all 200,000 SHS kits by July 2025, with a planned rollout of 400 kits per district each week.
It is worth mentioning here that Sindh government initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to promote clean energy solutions and reduce reliance on conventional electricity sources, ensuring energy access for vulnerable communities.
