Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

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BISP Chairperson pays tribute to Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah on 133rd birth anniversary


Islamabad: Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme, Senator Rubina Khalid on Friday paid glowing tribute to Madar-e-Millat, Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah on her 133rd birth anniversary, saying her unwavering commitment to democracy, the constitution and the rights of the people continued to inspire the nation.



In a message issued on the occasion, Senator Rubina Khalid extended heartfelt congratulations to the entire nation on the birth anniversary of Madar-e-Millat and paid rich tribute to her invaluable national services.



She said the 133rd birth anniversary of Fatima Jinnah reminded the nation of her unparalleled struggle for democracy, constitutional supremacy and the protection of public rights.



She added that Fatima Jinnah played a historic role in creating awareness among women about their active participation in national development and the democratic process, and her contributions would always be remembered.



The BISP chairperson said Fatima Jinnah’s honesty, courage and principled politics served as a guiding light for future generations.



She urged the nation to renew its commitment to building a stronger, democratic and people-centric Pakistan by following the vision and ideals of Madar-e-Millat. Senator Rubina Khalid also said the Benazir Income Support Programme would continue to draw inspiration from Fatima Jinnah’s vision in its mission to empower women and promote their socio-economic development.



She reaffirmed that the nation saluted the outstanding services of Madar-e-Millat, whose name would always be remembered with the utmost respect and honour.



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PSX rebounds, gains over 546 points on broad-based buying


Islamabad: The benchmark KSE-100 Index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) staged a recovery on Friday, gaining 546.13 points, a positive change of 0.31 percent, to close at 176,094.12 points against 175,547.98 points recorded in the previous trading session.



The ready market witnessed a trading volume of 880.951 million shares, compared to 711.201 million shares traded in the previous session, while the traded value slipped to Rs24.957 billion from Rs25.396 billion. Market capitalisation increased to Rs19.756 trillion from Rs19.718 trillion recorded a day earlier.



Out of 493 companies that traded in the ready market, 273 posted gains, 185 suffered losses, while 35 remained unchanged, reflecting a predominantly bullish trend across the market.



Trust Brokerage led the volume chart with 178.797 million shares, followed by Dadabhoy Cement with 81.741 million shares and Cnergyico PK with 50.457 million shares.



Among the top gainers, The Thal Industries Corporation Limited surged by Rs104.68 to close at Rs1,151.46, while Nestle Pakistan Limited advanced by Rs91.49 to settle at Rs7,913.37.



On the losing side, PIA Holding Company LimitedB declined by Rs372.50 to close at Rs17,627.50, while Khyber Textile Mills Limited fell by Rs74.65 to Rs2,002.81.



In the futures (DFC) market, turnover stood at 582.375 million shares with a traded value of Rs24.919 billion, compared with 382.309 million shares worth Rs17.732 billion in the previous session.



Of the 307 companies traded in the futures market, 136 advanced, 157 declined and 14 remained unchanged.



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Millat Tractors chairman donates tractors to GCU


Lahore: The Millat Tractors Limited Chairman Sikandar Mustafa Khan has donated two brand-new tractors to his alma mater, Government College University (GCU) Lahore.



The donation was made in response to a formal request by GCU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Omer Chaudhry. The heavy machinery is especially required to facilitate landscaping, agricultural upkeep, and ongoing development work at the university’s expansive new 370-acre campus situated at Kala Shah Kaku.



The two new tractors were officially handed over to the university administration today at the main campus.



Mr. Khan maintains an active association with his alma mater. Alongside this recent contribution, he is a serving member of the Executive Committee of the GCU Endowment Fund, which assists the university with institutional development and student financial aid.



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Two martyred policemen laid to rest with full state honours in DI Khan


Dera ismail khan: The funeral prayers for two policemen martyred in a terrorist attack at Shah Alam Morr in the jurisdiction of Chaudhwan Police Station were offered with full state honours here at Ejaz Shaheed Police Lines on Friday.



Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Faqir Ahmad and Constable Wazir Ahmad embraced martyrdom in the terrorist attack earlier today. The funeral was attended by Station Commander Brigadier Muhammad Abu Bakar, Regional Police Officer (RPO) Dera Ghulam Mubashir Mekan, District Police Officer (DPO) Dera Ziauddin Ahmad, Deputy Commissioner Hikmatullah Wazir, SP CTD Iftikhar Ali Shah, senior civil and police officials, Pakistan Army officers, government representatives, local elders, members of civil society, and the families of the martyrs.



A smartly turned-out police contingent presented a guard of honour to the coffins wrapped in the national flag, while floral wreaths were laid in tribute. Special prayers were offered for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks, lasting peace in the country, and the safety of the nation.



Following the funeral, RPO Ghulam Mubashir Mekan and DPO Ziauddin Ahmad met the bereaved families, expressed heartfelt condolences, and assured them of the police department’s full support during this difficult time.



Speaking on the occasion, the RPO paid tribute to the martyrs, describing them as a source of pride for both the nation and the police force. He said their sacrifices would never be forgotten and vowed that the perpetrators of the attack, along with their facilitators, would be arrested and brought to justice at the earliest.



He reaffirmed that the Dera Region Police would continue its fight against terrorism with unwavering determination, professionalism, and national spirit until the menace was completely eradicated.



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IFMP board approves relocation to Islamabad to drive national financial literacy initiative


Islamabad: The Board of Directors of the Institute of Financial Markets of Pakistan (IFMP) has approved the relocation of the Institute’s head office to Islamabad as part of a major strategic transformation aimed at making IFMP the country’s premier institution for financial market education, continues professional training, and capacity building.



The Institute will, however, maintain a regional office in Karachi.



The Board unanimously elected Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu, Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), as Chairperson of the IFMP Board, while Mr. Muhammad Ali Farid Khawaja, Commissioner, Securities Market Division (SMD), SECP, joined the Board as SECP’s nominee member, said a release issued here on Friday.



The meeting was attended by Dr. Mubbashar Sadiq, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), IFMP; Mr. Jawad Hashmi, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX); Mr. Shariq Jaffrani, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Central Depository Company (CDC); Dr. Ahmed Junaid, Dean, Karachi School of Business and Leadership (KSBL); Mr. Shahrukh Usmani, Company Secretary, IFMP; and Mr. Ahmad Javed, Manager Finance, IFMP.



Addressing the meeting, Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu said that with 64-67% of Pakistan’s population under 30, the country has immense potential to expand financial inclusion, retail investment, entrepreneurship, and employment. He said SECP has set a target of increasing Pakistan’s capital market investor base from around 500,000 to 2.5 million, emphasizing that financial literacy and skills development will be fundamental to achieving this objective.



He said IFMP will lead a nationwide financial literacy initiative by taking financial education to schools, universities, and professional communities across Pakistan. The Institute will equip youth and professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to participate in the formal financial sector, strengthen investor confidence, and impart professional courses to develop qualified human capital for the capital market and insurance industries.



Commissioner SECP Mr. Muhammad Ali Farid Khawaja said the Pakistan Stock Exchange must expand its reach across Pakistan, noting that a growing number of new investors are emerging from Punjab and other regions of the country. He said IFMP will significantly expand its mandate by introducing free online financial literacy courses, continuous professional development programmes, certification courses for capital market and insurance intermediaries, and specialized industry training to build a skilled financial services workforce.



The Board also placed on record its appreciation for the valuable contributions of outgoing SECP nominee directors Mr. Osman Syed and Dr. Yasir Mahmood, and acknowledged the dedicated leadership of Mr. Shoaib Javed Hussain during his tenure as Chairperson of the IFMP Board.



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Sindh Governor, US delegation discuss multi-sector investment ties


Karachi: Governor of Sindh Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi met a high-level delegation of American business leaders at the Governor House on Friday.



The meeting focused on promoting investment in Pakistan particularly in Sindh and explored opportunities for cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), infrastructure, dairy, livestock, agriculture, information technology and other key sectors.



The delegation was led by Muhammad Hanif Channa of the Embassy of Pakistan in the United States. Other members included Jamal Khawaja, President of Friends of Pakistan; Arif Zafar Mansoori, Chairman of Friends of Pakistan; Naveed Anwar, President of the Pakistan American Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce; Rana Khurram Malik, Vice President of the Pakistan American Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce; Naeem Zamdar, CEO of One AI; Engineer Maqsood Kambo, President of TSI Engineering; Haroon Inam, CEO of DG Matrix; Zain Jeevanjee, CEO of Insure123; as well as prominent Pakistani business leaders Aqeel Karim Dhedhi, Arshad Wali Muhammad, Ahmed Chinoy, and others, a communique said.



Welcoming the delegation, Governor Sindh Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi said that Pakistan and the United States enjoy longstanding relations based on mutual trust, respect, and shared interests, which can be further strengthened through enhanced trade, investment, and economic cooperation. He said that Pakistan is a secure, attractive, and emerging investment destination offering a business-friendly environment, a large consumer market, a young workforce, and profitable investment opportunities.



Governor Hashmi said that the Federal Government is fully committed to facilitating foreign investors, while Sindh offers immense opportunities in infrastructure, artificial intelligence, information technology, agriculture, dairy, livestock, and several other sectors. He invited American investors to explore these opportunities and contribute to strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries.



He said that Pakistan is a peaceful, responsible, and sovereign state that has consistently pursued a policy of regional peace, stability, and mutual respect. He stated that Pakistan has never initiated aggression against any country; however, whenever its sovereignty, territorial integrity, or national interests are challenged, the entire nation stands united alongside its Armed Forces.



Referring to the recent regional tensions, the Governor said that under the prudent leadership of the Prime Minister and the professional military strategy of the Field Marshal, Pakistan successfully defended its borders and effectively thwarted hostile designs.



Members of the American business delegation appreciated Sindh’s investment-friendly environment, government policies, and economic potential, expressing strong interest in investing and collaborating in the fields of artificial intelligence, infrastructure, agriculture, dairy, livestock, information technology, and other key sectors.



They noted that Pakistan’s economic potential, skilled workforce, and business opportunities make it an attractive destination for international investors.



Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-United States economic partnership by expanding cooperation in trade, investment, advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, agriculture, infrastructure, and other strategic sectors.



They also expressed confidence that enhanced private-sector engagement would further deepen bilateral relations, create new employment opportunities, facilitate technology transfer, and generate significant economic benefits for both countries.