Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

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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.



The move is aimed at for 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, said a press releas issued by the SECP on Friday.



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 Muhammad Ali Farid Khawaja, Commissioner, Securities Market Division (SMD), SECP, joined the Board as SECP’s nominee member.



The meeting was attended by Dr. Mubbashar Sadiq, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), IFMP; Jawad Hashmi, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX); Shariq Jaffrani, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Central Depository Company (CDC); Dr. Ahmed Junaid, Dean, Karachi School of Business and Leadership (KSBL); 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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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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34 colliers died in Quetta’s Surranj coalmine explosion due to poisonous gas


Quetta: Casualties in coal mine explosion caused by poisonous gas here in Spain Kariz Surranj has reached 34 while the rescue operation was still ongoing to evacuate any more trapped workers.



According to the data released by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Balochistan, rescue teams have so far recovered the bodies of 34 miners from the mine in the rescue operations after the coal mine accident that occurred in Surranj, while rescue teams are continuously engaged in searching any more affectees trapped due to the accident.



According to officials, the explosion occurred due to the filling of toxic gas in the coal mine, as a result of which a part of the mine collapsed and several miners were buried under the debris.



Rescue teams are continuously working to remove debris from the mine with the help of heavy machinery and special equipment.



Official authorities said that the rescue operation would continue until all the affected miners would be pulled out of the mine.



During the rescue operations, the rescue personnel were carrying out operations with utmost caution due to the toxic gas and other hazards present inside the mine.



On the other hand, the Chief Minister of Balochistan, taking notice of the Surranj coal mine accident, has sought a report on the incident from the Mines and Minerals Department, and also directed the concerned authorities have also been directed to further expedite the rescue operations and provide all possible assistance to the affected miners.



According to sources, arrangements were being made to send the bodies of the deceased miners to their native areas after necessary procedures, while the affected families were also being kept informed of the situation.



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Pakistan, Kazakhstan reaffirm commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation


Islamabad: Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Yerzhan Kistafin met Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik on Friday to discuss ways to deepen bilateral relations and expand cooperation in the fields of law and justice, trade, regional connectivity and other areas of mutual interest.



Barrister Aqeel Malik reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its longstanding friendship and partnership with Kazakhstan.



He said Pakistan highly values its close ties with Kazakhstan and remains committed to enhancing cooperation for the mutual benefit of both countries.



Ambassador Kistafin appreciated Pakistan’s continued engagement and reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors.



Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination and explore new avenues of collaboration to further reinforce the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and Kazakhstan.



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Fully functional blood bank at MGQBMH a milestone for public: CM Sarfraz


Quetta: Balochistan Chief Minister, Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Friday announced the full functioning of the blood bank at Mir Ghulam Qadir Bugti Memorial Hospital (MGQBMH) in Dera Bugti, calling it an important milestone in the health sector for the people of the district.



He said that the activation of the blood bank would enable timely, safe and quality blood supply to patients, which would help save precious human lives and effectively deal with emergency medical situations. The Balochistan Chief Minister said in his message on the social networking site, “Alhamdulillah! another important milestone has been crossed for the people of Dera Bugti, I am very happy to announce that the blood bank at Mir Ghulam Qadir Bugti Memorial Hospital is now fully functional.”



The CM said this was not just a new medical facility but a vital step towards serving humanity, which would ensure timely and safe blood supply to needy patients and would help in saving countless precious lives. Mir Sarfraz Bugti said that this moment was of special importance for him because another basic facility has been added to this hospital established in the memory of his late father Mir Ghulam Qadir Bugti for public service.



He said that it has always been his effort to provide health, education and other basic facilities to the people of Dera Bugti at their doorsteps and the establishment of the blood bank was a practical embodiment of this vision.



The Chief Minister of Balochistan appreciated the services of the doctors, medical staff, health department, related institutions and all the supporting persons who played a role in the completion of this project and expressed his heartfelt gratitude to them.



He said that such projects for the welfare of the people were among the top priorities of the Balochistan government and practical steps would be taken to improve the health sector.



Chief Minister prayed that Allah Almighty might accept these efforts, make this institution always a source of service to humanity and grant the government the ability to serve the people further.



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Two robbers arrested, motorcycle, phone, cash recovered


Faisalabad: People’s Colony police have arrested a two-member robbery gang and recovered a motorcycle, mobile phone and cash from their possession.



According to a police spokesperson, Station House Officer (SHO) People’s Colony police station Wajid Hussain along with his team conducted a successful operation and arrested the gang including its ringleader Waqas along with his accomplice Adil.



The accused were taken into custody after intelligence-based efforts and during initial interrogation, a motorcycle, a mobile phone and cash were recovered from them.



The accused were locked behind bars while further investigation was under progress as they were involved several robbery and street crime incidents, spokesman added.