Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

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Sindh Govt ranked 6th for excellence in public-pvt-partnership: Syed Nasir

Karachi: Sindh Minister for Energy, Development and Planning Syed Nasir Hussain Shah has said that the Sindh government is ranked sixth in the entire region with very good performance in public-private partnership.

He expressed these views while addressing the closing ceremony of the Sindh Livestock Expo.

He congratulated the Livestock Department for organizing such a big expo.

He said that after visiting the Livestock Expo, it was realized that such a large number of people came and more than one million people saw the livestock exhibition in three days.

He added that during this expo, farmers, breeders and investors got an opportunity to meet each other and work together in this sector.

He said that there are government farms and land where private farmers can be given under public-private partnership to promote the growth of local breeding breeds.

Speaking on the occasion, Provincial Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah said that it was an old wish that there should be a grand livestock expo in Sindh.

He said that when he had the culture department, he wished that a joint expo of culture, livestock and agriculture could be held.

He said that when Pakistan was formed in 1947, the country was 65 percent dependent on crops and 35 percent on livestock, and today the story has reversed, livestock has come to 65 percent and agriculture has come to 35 percent.

Education Minister Sardar Shah said that more than a million people have come to this expo to see animals and birds.

He added that 20 years ago there was no rooftop farming, now people are coming here and raising sheep and goats on the roofs of their houses, there should be a two-way policy between commercial and indigenous breeding.

He said that whatever breed is brought from outside, it should be clear with whom it will be crossed, the Red Sindhi cow breed has been with us for 6,000 years, but it has been saved by private breeders.

He said that to save the local breed, breeders should give the government farm to public-private partnership. Whatever breed has been saved has been saved by private breeders, not by the government farm.

He congratulated Provincial Minister for Livestock Muhammad Ali Malkani and

expressed hope that now this expo should be held permanently in Karachi.

On this occasion, Provincial Minister for Livestock Muhammad Ali Malkani said in his speech that he is grateful to Sardar Shah and Nasir Shah for coming and encouraging him.

He said that he quests Nasir Shah Sahib to bring the Livestock Department up in the priority list and approve new projects in this sector in Planning and Development.

The Livestock Department has informed the people of Karachi that there are hundreds of opportunities to invest in this sector in the form of an expo.

He added that we brought farmers from remote areas of Sindh here and provided them with all the facilities for the three days so that they could exhibit their indigenous and rare animals that needed breeding and reproduction.

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CTI stresses collective efforts to save Pakistan’s handwoven carpet industry

Lahore: Carpet Training Institute (CTI) Chairperson Ejaz-ur-Rehman has called for urgent reforms and strategic initiatives to rescue Pakistan's traditional handwoven carpet industry, which is grappling with severe challenges and a steady decline in exports.

Speaking during a meeting with industry experts here Sunday, he stressed the need to adopt innovative business models including business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) export strategies, to cater to the evolving demands of international markets.

'This industry holds immense potential, and by blending the expertise of seasoned craftsmen with the fresh ideas of the younger generation, we can restore its lost glory,' he remarked.

Highlighting the contributions of the sector, Ejaz-ur-Rehman urged the government to recognize its role in providing livelihoods to millions of workers and generating valuable foreign exchange for the country. He noted that Pakistani carpets have consistently showcased superior craftsmanship, earning numerous accolades at international exhibitions for their exceptional quality and contemporary designs.

Ejaz-ur-Rehman described the handwoven carpet industry as a historic pillar of Pakistan's economy, particularly in Punjab, and recalled its role as the country's first major export earner after independence.

'Pakistan was once a global leader in handwoven carpet production and exports, but the past few decades have seen us lose significant ground. Rising production costs and declining exports are key factors driving this downturn,' he mentioned.

He stressed the importance of reducing production costs to remain competitive in global markets and urged the government, manufacturers, and exporters to collaborate on targeted schemes to support skilled workers. These measures, he said, are essentials to keep artisans stay motivated with belief that industry will continue to secure their jobs prospects currently and in future.

'The handwoven carpet industry is not just a source of income for millions but also a cultural heritage that reflect Pakistan's rich craftsmanship. It's time for decisive action to protect and revitalize this vital sector,' he concluded.

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Food exporters calls on Governor Punjab

Lahore: A delegation of food exporters from South Punjab met Governor Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan at the Governor House, here on Sunday.

The delegation, led by Shahid Imran, convener of the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (FPCCI) regional committee on food, highlighted the critical role South Punjab's industrialists were playing in enhancing the country's food exports. He briefed the governor on how the region's exporters were successfully competing in global markets, contributing significantly to Pakistan's economic growth. He emphasized the need for government support in addressing challenges such as energy shortages, outdated infrastructure, and logistical inefficiencies that hinder the export potential of the region.

Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan appreciated the efforts of South Punjab's food exporters and assured them of the government's commitment to fostering a favorable environment for business growth. He acknowledged the region's immense potential in agriculture and food processing, stressing the importance of expanding market access and introducing policies to incentivize exports.

The Governor also highlighted upcoming government initiatives aimed at modernizing infrastructure, reducing regulatory hurdles, and encouraging innovation in food production and processing to boost South Punjab's contribution to the national economy.

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CNG stations across KP to remain closed till Jan 31

Peshawar: : CNG stations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the provincial capital Peshawar, have been closed until January 31.

According to an announcement issued by the Additional Chief Secretary of Internal Affairs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the CNG stations were closed under Section 144 starting from January 20.

The announcement stated that domestic consumers were facing a shortage of gas pressure, which has led to the decision to keep CNG stations closed across the province till January 31.

This decision was made due to the difficulties faced by domestic consumers because of the severe cold weather.

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Three more meters severed over violations

Multan: Sui Northern Gas UFG Control Task Force, under the direction of the General Manager, has intensified its efforts against gas theft and disconnected three more meters over violations.

During the operation, one meter was disconnected over using for commercial purposes,while two meters taken off by consumers were recovered and seized. The task force also conducting door-to-door checking of about 35 connections.

The company vowed to continue these efforts to combat gas theft and illegal activities, ensuring uninterrupted gas supply to consumers.

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Iranian CG hosts lunch in honour of Sindh Assembly Speaker

Karachi: The Consul General of Islamic Republic of Iran Hassan Nourian hosted a luncheon in honour of Speaker Sindh Assembly Syed Awais Qadir Shah at the Consulate General of Iran in Karachi.The occasion was graced by a four-member delegation from the Iranian Parliament's Cultural Commission, who are on an official visit to Karachi.Speaker Syed Awais Qadir Shah was accompanied by Deputy Speaker Anthony Naveed, Member National Assembly, Mirza Ikhtiyar Baig and General Secretary PPP Sindh Waqar Mehdi.During the gathering, discussions centered on the mutual cooperation and strengthening of relations between Iran and Pakistan.Speaker Syed Awais Qadir Shah emphasized the enduring friendship shared by the two neighboring nations.'Iran and Pakistan share a strong and friendly relationship as neighbors. It is essential for both countries to maintain and enhance these ties for mutual progress, peace, security, and stability." Shah added.The discourse also focused into the challenges facing the global Musli m fraternity and the shared responsibilities of both nations in working towards sustainable solutions for unity and security.Speaker Syed Awais Qadir Shah extended his gratitude to Consul General Hassan Nourian for the gracious invitation and the warm hospitality.Consul General thanked the Speaker Provincial Assembly and the delegation for their time and also presented a shield to the Speaker.The Speaker also invited the Consul General and Iranian delegation to visit the historic Sindh Assembly and attend a session of the provincial legislature, further strengthening bilateral ties and cultural understanding.This meeting marked a reaffirmation of the enduring partnership between Iran and Pakistan, reflecting a shared commitment to regional cooperation and unity.