Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

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Current Account records $1.21 billion surplus in H1FY25: SBP

Karachi: The Pakistan's external Current Account Balance recorded a surplus of $ 1.21 billion during the first half of fiscal year 2024-25 as compared to a deficit of $ 1.397 billion during the same period last year.

The Current Account for the month of December 2024 also recorded a surplus of $ 582 million as compared to $ 279 million surplus of the same month in previous year, the State Bank of Pakistan reported on Friday.

The positive trend in current account balance has continued for the fifth consecutive month in December 2024 taking the overall current account surplus for the period of July to December 2024-25 to $1.21 billion, the SBP data depicted.

The External Current Account recorded a surplus of $582 million in December, $ 684 million in November, $349 million in October, $86 million in September and $29 million in the month of August 2024.

According to SBP figures, the cumulative balance in trade of goods in the first half of current fiscal year 2024-25 (H1FY25) has recorded a deficit of $11.514 billion as compared to $10.229 billion deficit of H1FY24. The balance on trade in goods in December 2024 was recorded as $ 1.725 billion against the deficit of $ 1.355 billion in November 2024 and $1.391 billion in December 2024, the data shown.

Balance on trade of services in July-December FY24-25 has recorded a deficit of $1.589 billion against the $1.361 billion deficit during H1FY24, the data shown adding that the services' trade deficit was recorded as $ 218 million in December 2024 as compared to $ 200 million during November 2024 and $ 101 million during December 2023.

The overall trade deficit in both goods and services was recorded as $13.103 billion during the first half of the current fiscal year in comparison to the deficit of $11.59 billion in H1FY24.

Meanwhile, the balance on primary income recorded a deficit of $4.507 billion during July-December 2024-25 against a deficit of $4.054 billion of the corresponding period of the last fiscal year, the SBP data stated and added that, Balance on Secondary Income during Jul-Dec 24-25 was recorded as $18.82 billion against $14.247 billion in H1FY24.

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WCLA focusing on conservation of minorities’ heritage sites

Lahore: The Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) is actively conserving historical monuments linked to religious minorities, aiming to promote tourism and safeguarding heritage.

These sites are being preserved to remain open and accessible to the public, with guided tours highlighting their cultural significance.

Recently WCLA's Key projects for minorities include the conservation of a Sikh-era temple (Naag Mandir) in Lahore Fort and the Loh Temple, supported by the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP).

Additionally, the WCLA is restoring Haveli Kharak Singh inside Lahore fort and Haveli Maharaja Ranjit Singh in Gujranwala, along with St. Mary Magdalene Church in Lahore Cantonment. These initiatives reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region and the authority's commitment to preserving it.

Significant preservation projects of minorities have been formerly completed in previous years by the Walled City of Lahore Authority at various locations includes, the Presbyterian Church (Naulakha) on Nicholson Road, Cathedral Church on Mall Road, Sacred Heart, Cathedral Church on Lawrence Road, Catholic Church Saint Francis Asiaticus Saho Wala in Sialkot, Shivala Temple in Sialkot , Saint Mary De Virgin Cathedral Church in Multan Cantonment , and Christ Church on Jinnah Road, Rawalpindi Cantonment, Christ church Janjua Road Rawalpindi, Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Lal Kurti Rawalpindi and Christ Church ,Okara .

Najam u Saqib, Director Conservation and Planning, Walled City of Lahore Authority, said, 'For the Walled City of Lahore Authority, historical monuments of minorities are as important as others because they have been a significant element of our shared cultural and historical legacies. Therefore, the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) has given utmost priority to the restoration of minorities' heritage sites.

Kamran Lashari, Director General, Walled City of Lahore Authority, also expressed his opinions on the restoration projects of heritage sites of minorities. He said, 'Historical and cultural heritage of any nation transcends the boundaries of religions. This is why old and historical monuments of Hinduism, Sikhism and Christianity are also an important part of this region's history. Moreover, we also aim to aware the public about the national heritage extending it beyond the conventional heritage sites. We believe that the restoration of heritage sites of minorities will not only help in enhancing the scope of tourism but, it will create a soft and positive image of our country in the international diplomacy'.

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Livestock’s Veterinary Dispensary reactivated in Gwadar’s Nalent

Quetta: On directive and cooperation of Member Provincial Assembly (MPA) Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman Baloch, the closed and inactive since 2019, Veterinary Dispensary of the Livestock Department, Gwadar's Nalent was reactivated on Friday.

The dispensary was formally inaugurated by District Livestock Officer (DLO) Dr. Sabir Ali Baloch, Veterinary Officer Dr. Amjad and a respected social leaders of Nalent.

On this occasion, necessary medicines for the dispensary were also handed over to the responsible persons.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Mir Javed Qadir said that due to the closure of the dispensary for the past several years, the livestock owners of Nalent had face severe financial losses due to the diseases and treatment of their livestock.

He said that as a result of the special interest and efforts of Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman Baloch, the process of treatment and vaccination of Nalent livestock would now continue on a daily basis.

He hoped that the restoration of the dispensary would not only improve the health of livestock but also end the problems being faced by the livestock owners in the area which is auspicious for the local economy.

Local residents and social leaders appreciated this initiative and thanked Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman Baloch and the concerned authorities.

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Reconstruction of Lady Wellington Hospital to be completed on time: minister

Lahore: Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique assured on Friday that reconstruction project of Lady Wellington Hospital was progressing as planned and would be completed on time.

He made this statement during his visit to the hospital here to review the ongoing work. During the visit, Medical Superintendent Dr. Saeed Khan, along with officers from the Infrastructure Development Authority of Punjab (IDAP) and the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), briefed the minister on the project's progress.

Khawaja Salman Rafique stressed the significance of the hospital as a major healthcare facility for the thousands of residents in Lahore's walled city. "Lady Wellington Hospital is a critical treatment center for the densely populated area, and its reconstruction will significantly enhance healthcare services," he said.

He lauded the efforts of IDAP and FWO officers for their commitment to the project and congratulated them on their performance so far.

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PTI founder convicted for deceiving public for years: Sharjeel Memon

Karachi: Senior Minister Sindh Sharjeel Inam Memon on Friday said today is an important day in history of the country as PTI founder was convicted for deceiving the public for years under guise of truth and honesty.

Addressing a press conference, Sindh Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit Sharjeel Memon said another truth has come to light today after judgment the National Accountability Court.

He alleged that the 126-day sit-in was an attempt to blackmail the state. He emphasized this individual should not be associated with Pakistan or its people, adding that PTI continues to act against the state solely to benefit one person.

He stated that the punishment given to Imran Khan and his wife is a consequence of their very practices.

PTI founder had used NAB to have his opponents arrested and targeted. If someone spoke against him on a TV program, they would receive a NAB notice the very next day, Memon said, adding that Imran Khan imprisoned the PPP President Asif Ali Zardari and Faryal Talpur, as well as the leadership of the PML-N.

He stated that when Imran Khan's government ended, the first person to leave the country was Farah Gogi,who had been making decisions from Bani Gala.

Senior Minister stated that Imran Khan had been sentenced to 14 years in prison, yet not a single person has come out to protest. He noted that on May 9, the entire country was set on fire, institutions were attacked, and chaos ensued over a minor arrest.

He urged people to open their eyes, emphasizing that PTI's entire effort is focused on getting Imran Khan out of jail.

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UoT grieved over demise of Dr. DK Riaz Baloch

Quetta: On behalf of the faculty, administrative staff, and students of the University of Turbat (UoT), the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Gul Hasan expressed sorrow over the demise of Dr. DK Riaz Baloch.

He was a distinguished medical professional, educationist, former federal minister, and former Vice-Chancellor of Balochistan University.

He said that Dr. DK Riaz Baloch's remarkable contributions to the fields of medicine, education, and public service have left an enduring legacy in Balochistan and beyond.

They said that his tireless efforts to advance healthcare and his visionary leadership as an academician and administrator will always be remembered.

The Vice-Chancellor extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that Allah may grant Dr. DK Riaz Baloch eternal peace and give his family the courage and strength to bear this irreparable loss.