Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

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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.



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Monsoon rains: water drainage restored across low-lying areas, traffic reopened on all roads


Islamabad: Following monsoon rains in the federal capital, the district administration launched a citywide response to address flooding in low-lying areas.



Acting on the directions of Additional Deputy Commissioner General Sahibzada Yousaf, Assistant Commissioners remained in the field while drainage operations continued across residential neighborhoods, commercial centers, and major roads.



Authorities reported that flooding in affected areas had been brought under control and traffic flow had been restored on all roads. The Islamabad district administration remained on high alert after monsoon rainfall triggered water accumulation in several low-lying parts of the city.



Additional Deputy Commissioner General Sahibzada Yousaf supervised the situation through real-time monitoring of drainage operations and coordinated field activities with Assistant Commissioners and sanitation teams.



According to the administration, drainage work was carried out in various sectors and vulnerable locations where rainwater had collected. Teams worked continuously to remove standing water and prevent disruptions to daily movement. Officials said the situation in low-lying areas was brought under control after timely intervention by field staff.



Traffic movement, which had been affected in some locations due to water accumulation, was restored after drainage operations cleared roads and key routes. Additional sanitation workers were deployed in response to complaints regarding standing water in different parts of the city.



Sahibzada Yousaf said drainage activities were continuing across Islamabad to ensure that rainwater was removed from all affected areas. He added that preparations for the monsoon season had been completed before the arrival of heavy rains, including the cleaning of storm drains and waterways across the capital.



The ADC General stated that special monitoring teams had been formed to keep a close watch on drains during rainfall and respond quickly to any blockage or overflow. These teams remained active throughout the rain spell and coordinated with field officers to address emerging issues.



Officials further said Assistant Commissioners were present on the ground alongside sanitation staff to oversee operations and ensure uninterrupted drainage work. Monitoring of residential areas, business centers, and major roads was continuing to prevent further water accumulation and maintain normal traffic flow.



The district administration said all available resources would remain deployed during the monsoon season to respond to weather-related challenges and keep public services functioning without interruption.



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SBP injects over Rs 12.38 trillion in the market


Karachi: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Friday, injected Rs 12,384.1 billion through Reverse Repo Purchase and Shariah Compliant Mudarabah based Open Market Operations (OMO) to maintain liquidity in the market.



The central bank conducted the Open Market Operation, Reverse Repo Purchase (Injection) for 7 and 17-day tenors on July 31, 2026, and injected Rs 11,913.1 billion against 33 bids while other Rs 471 billion were injected through Shariah Compliant Mudarabah based OMO.



The central bank, for the Reverse Repo Purchase of 17-day tenor, received 28 bids cumulatively offering Rs 11,953.1 billion at the rate of return ranging between 11.51 to 11.57%. The SBP accepted Rs 11,750 billion against 28 quotes at 11.51% rate of return. The total amount offered at 11.51% was Rs 5,443.5 billion, out of which SBP accepted Rs 5,240.4 billion on a pro-rata basis.



Moreover, the SBP also received 5 bids for the 7-day tenor, cumulatively offering Rs 163.1 billion at the rate of return ranging between 11.54% to 11.56%. The SBP accepted all the 5 quotes with the entire amount at 11.54% rate of return.



Meanwhile, SBP also conducted Shariah Compliant Mudarabah based Open Market Operation for the 7 and 17-day tenors. The central bank received 6 quotes for the 7-day tenor offering Rs 71 billion at rate of return ranging between 11.56 to 11.58%. SBP accepted the entire amount against all the 6 bids at 11.56% rate of return.



The central bank also received 5 bids for the 17-day tenor offering Rs 505.9 billion at rate of return ranging between 11.52% to 11.57%. SBP accepted Rs 400 billion at 11.52% rate of return. The total amount offered at 11.52% was Rs 252 billion, out of which SBP accepted Rs 146.1 billion on a pro-rata basis.



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PM Shehbaz reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthen Azerbaijan ties


Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to further strengthening the brotherly ties with Azerbaijan, recalling the high-level exchanges between the two countries over the past two and a half years.



The prime minister, talking to Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Khazar Farhadov, who paid a farewell call on him, expressed confidence that the strong foundation laid during the envoy’s tenure would continue to guide the trajectory of bilateral ties in the years ahead.



The prime minister warmly acknowledged Ambassador Farhadov’s dedicated efforts to strengthen the deep-rooted, brotherly relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan during his tenure.



He commended the Ambassador’s contributions in expanding bilateral cooperation across political, trade, economic, defence, culture and people-to-people domains, including the launch of direct flights between the two countries.



Conveying his warm regards to President Ilham Aliyev, Prime Minister Shehbaz fondly recalled his numerous visits to Azerbaijan over the past two and a half years, as well as the visit of President Aliyev to Pakistan in July 2024.



He also wished Ambassador Farhadov continued success in his future assignments.



Ambassador Farhadov thanked the prime minister for the warmth, hospitality, and support extended to him by the Government and people of Pakistan throughout his diplomatic assignment, describing his tenure in Pakistan as a cherished chapter of his diplomatic career.



He reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s continued commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with Pakistan. He also presented the prime minister with a book based on his family’s experiences of living in Pakistan.



Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch also attended the meeting.



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PPSC announces three written and 10 final results of 4 departments


Lahore: The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) has announced three written and 10 final results of 4 departments.



Among the candidates, seven candidates have been declared successful for the interview for 18 posts of Stenographer in the Board of Revenue, Deputy Commissioner Office Rawalpindi.



The successful candidates include Fatima Mukhtar, Anam Ghulam Rasool, Muhammad Usmanuddin, Rayan Ahmed Mughal and Seemab Hanif.



One candidate has been declared successful for the interview for three posts of Stenographer in the Board of Revenue, Deputy Commissioner Office Gujarat.



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Interview dates for head teacher candidates announced


Lahore: Interview dates for candidates who passed the merit-based head teacher test have been announced. According to the School Education Department, the interviews will be held on August 4 and 5 at PECTA Head Office, Lahore.



A 9-member panel will conduct interviews for the candidates who pass the test, which will include Additional Secretary Schools Athar Saeed, Farooq Qamar, Muhammad Ijaz Joya, Naveed Deraat, Zahida Batool and Abdul Waheed Raza, among other officers.



According to the department, the candidates who are declared successful in the interview will be appointed as OPS heads in various government schools.