Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

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40.07% of BISP payments completed in Sargodha District

Sargodha: Payments process of Benazir Income Support Program under the recent released tranche of December 2024 has reached 40.07 % completion in Sargodha District .

Deputy Director BISP Sargodha Madam Raazia Asim informed reporter on Sunday that a total of 63,019 deserving beneficiaries out of 157,268 so far received their payments including out of total 12,700 registered women beneficiaries in Bhulwal,3056 beneficiaries have been taken Rs 10,500 each, whereas 10,861 out of 38404 in Bhera,3,129 out of 20,651 in Kotmomin,10,189 out of 12,430 in Sahiwal,27,344 out of 68,537 in Sargodha, 7,962 out of 16,309 in Shah purr and 7,535 out of 15,780 beneficiaries in Sillanwali.

She assured that the remaining beneficiaries would get their payments soon.

She also informed that 11 camp site were set up across the district and it's tehsils to facilitate the distribution.

She herself monitoring the payments process by visiting payments centre on daily basis to ensure smooth process,she concluded.

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PHA, Nespak amends initial design of floating restaurant

Lahore: The National Engineering Services Pakistan (Nespak) and Parks and Horticulture Authority Lahore (PHA) have amended the initial design of first-ever floating restaurant, bringing three changes and consulting whether to remain it stagnant or moving or giving it the shape of double-decker.

Ghazali Saleem Butt, Chairman PHA Lahore, told reporter that the Parks and Horticulture Authority was all-out to enhance beautification of Lahore. He said Rs 350 million Lahore floating restaurant project was a unique project, announced by the PHA. Located near Harbanspura along the canal, the floating restaurant is set to become a major attraction in the city, he added.

To a query Ghazali Butt said the project would feature a variety of amenities including seating areas, children's play zones, and recreational facilities, offering a distinctive dining experience for locals and tourists alike. He said three companies had been pre-qualified for construction, and the project is expected to be completed soon.

"We will be providing smooth, adorable and lively environment to citizens mainly by innovative ideas, planting more trees, developing parks, greenbelts, flowerbeds, horticulture landscapes and with some aesthetic displays," he added.

The PHA Lahore would be one of the best and top most institution of the government, in its organisation, performance, delivery, creativity, innovation and last but not the least in use of scientific methodology, he added.

The proposed project would entail one, a floating dining boat; two, its cafes and seating areas; and three, play zones for children providing a relaxed and entertaining atmosphere.

Likewise, the PHA may also consider developing another off-peak picnic ground, thus enhancing the canal area and providing comprehensive leisure activities.

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Pakistan set to issue Panda Bonds by June, aiming to attract $200 mln Chinese investment: Aurangzeb

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Sunday said Pakistan was set to issue Panda bonds by June 2025 aimed at raising approximately $200 million in investment from Chinese investors.

In an interview with Hong Kong's TVB News, he explained that the bonds were part of Pakistan's broader strategy to tap into China's capital markets, attract investment from one of the world's largest economies, and bolster the country's economic growth, ensuring sustainability in the balance of payments.

'We are optimistic about the prospects of Panda bonds and hope to raise around $200 million through this issue,' he said, adding that this initiative would not only strengthen economic ties with China but also serve as a catalyst for more investment flows into Pakistan.

Aurangzeb underscored the government's commitment to shifting Pakistan's economic model towards export-led growth, which is crucial for achieving long-term balance of payments stability.

The Finance minister also highlighted the importance of the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC 2.0), a flagship component of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which would further deepen economic cooperation between the two countries.

'The second phase of CPEC will bring more Chinese companies and investments into Pakistan, offering significant opportunities for growth and development,' Aurangzeb said.

As part of his diplomatic outreach, the Finance minister invited Hong Kong to send delegations to Pakistan to explore trade and financial opportunities.

He noted that Hong Kong could serve as a suitable platform for joint ventures between Chinese and Pakistani companies, fostering stronger economic and financial ties between the two nations.

'We are committed to enhancing our financial cooperation with Hong Kong and we believe there is immense potential for collaboration in areas such as infrastructure, trade and investment,' Aurangzeb remarked.

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Hazrat Wasif Ali Wasif urs from Jan 23

Lahore: The three-day 33rd annual Urs celebrations of renowned spiritual scholar Hazrat Wasif Ali Wasif will start from January 23. The Urs will commence with the ceremonial laying of Chaddar after Asr prayer. Former provincial minister Sardar Nasrullah Khan Dreshak and Diwan Azmat Mahmood, along with devotees, will perform the ritual. This will be followed by a session of Na'at recitation. On Jan 24, a seminar focusing on the personality and teachings of Hazrat Wasif Ali Wasif will be held at Alhamra. Professor Hasan Askari Kazmi will preside over the seminar. Later in the evening, a Mehfil-e-Sama will be held. On the third day, the Urs will conclude with a special prayer.

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Attaullah Tarar condoles death of Mian Amer’s Mother-in-Law

Lahore: Federal Minister for Information Broadcasting, National Heritage and Culture Attaullah Tarar on Sunday visited the residence of Mian Amer Mehmood, Chairman of Dunya Media Group, and offered condolence on the demise of his mother-in-law. During the visit, he expressed his heartfelt sympathy to Mian Amer and his family and offered Dua for the departed soul. Attaullah Tarar said, "I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Mian Amer's mother-in-law. This is a great loss, and may Allah grant you patience. May Allah grant the deceased a high place in His mercy and give her family strength and patience" he prayed. Provincial Assembly Member Mian Imran Javed accompanied the Federal Minister during his visit.

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13 children beggars taken into protective custody

Multan: The Child Protection Bureau(CPWB) has intensified its anti-begging initiatives and rescue operations,taking 13 children into protective custody last week.This was disclosed by CPWB spokesperson Naveed Mukhtar.

The children rescued included beggars, runaways, missing persons, and other vulnerable individuals.

Rescue operations were conducted at various locations across the city, with additional support from the Child Help Line (1121), which received calls regarding children in need of protection.

He stressed as part of its ongoing efforts, the Bureau distributed awareness pamphlets to educate the public about child protection and the prevention of child trafficking.