Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

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PM, UAE President discuss ways to enhance ties

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Sunday met with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates here and discussed matters of mutual and bilateral interest.

During the meeting, both leaders expressed their shared commitment to deepening economic, political, and cultural ties. They discussed a wide range of issues, including economic collaboration, regional stability, climate change, and the promotion of mutual interests on the global stage.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the UAE's visionary leadership and its role as a key partner for Pakistan in development and investment. He underscored Pakistan's readiness to expand cooperation in sectors such as renewable energy, technology, trade, infrastructure and skill development.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan highlighted the UAE's keen interest in collaborating with Pakistan in the mining, minerals, and agriculture sectors. He expressed admiration for the manner in which Pakistan's economy has stabilized and is moving in the right direction under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He emphasized that this renewed economic vigor has created prospects for enhanced bilateral investment and collaboration.

In his remarks, His Highness also reiterated the UAE's commitment to enhancing its longstanding partnership with Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of people-to-people connections and shared prosperity.

Prime Minister Sharif extended his gratitude to His Highness for the UAE's unwavering support during critical times, particularly in humanitarian assistance and development aid. Both leaders reaffirmed their dedication to peace and progress in the region, vowing to work closely on matters of mutual interest.

The meeting concluded with a joint resolve to foster greater cooperation, particularly in priority sectors, ensuring a brighter future for both nations.

During the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Chief Minister of Punjab Ms. Maryam Nawaz, Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi were present.

In a post on X, the prime minister later said, "Delighted to meet with my dear brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE, today in Rahimyar Khan. Reaffirmed Pakistan's strong commitment to further strengthen Pak-UAE cooperation and elevate our ties to a mutually beneficial strategic partnership. Matters of mutual interest including investments in Pakistan were discussed with a resolve to move forward together."

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Hasan Nourian calls for unity among Muslim Ummah

Karachi: The Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Karachi, Hasan Nourian called for unity among Islamic countries to resolve issues confronting the Muslim Ummah.

Addressing a seminar here at a local hotel on the anniversary of Iranian General Qasim Soleimani, Hassan Nourian said in Gaza more than 50000 innocent people were martyred in Israel's brutal attacks while 100000 people got injured.

He said that Iran and Pakistan have always supported the Palestinians.

Jamiat Ulama-e-Pakistan (JUP) chief Sahibzada Abul Khair Muhammad Zubair, Sheikh Shabir Hassan Mohsami, Ayatollah Ghulam Abbas, Allama Baqir Abbas Zaidi, Maulana Azad Jameel, Asadullah Bhutto and others also addressed the seminar.

They paid rich tribute to the martyrs including General Soleimani and said Israel's attack against innocent Palestinians, are gross violation of the human rights.

They called for immediate ceasefire in Gaza and urged International community to play role in resolving Middle East crisis.

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CNG stations in KP to remain closed on Sundays and Mondays

Abbottabad: In an effort to prioritize gas supply for domestic consumers, all CNG stations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will remain closed on Sundays and Mondays.

According to the latest directives, CNG stations will also operate under restricted hours on other days. From Tuesday onward, stations will function from 8: 00 AM to 5: 00 PM daily until the gas supply situation improves.

Sui Northern Gas pipelines Limited (SNGPL) Hazara division officials have warned that strict action will be taken against any violations of the schedule. CNG stations found operating outside the designated hours will face immediate disconnection of gas supply.

The move is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted gas availability for households during the winter season, as demand continues to surge.

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PCMEA for removing export barriers

Lahore: The Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PCMEA) Sunday expressed concerns over the challenges faced by hand-woven carpet industry, urging the government to take immediate steps to remove export-related hurdles.

PCMEA Chairman Mian Atiq-ur-Rehman and Vice Chairman Riaz Ahmed told media here that no programme or initiative can succeed unless export barriers are addressed in an effective manner.

They pointed out that longstanding issues at the Torkham Border have impacted the carpet sector, which was once a major source of foreign exchange for Pakistan. The delays and disruptions at the border have made it difficult to import partially processed raw materials from Afghanistan, they explained. The office-bearers emphasized that quality and timely delivery of export orders are essential for maintaining the credibility of exporters in global markets.

They claimed that hand-woven carpet industry operates without relying on government energy resources and remains a vital source of employment, particularly for workers in rural areas. This sector plays a crucial role in preventing urban migration by providing millions of people with jobs at their doorstep, they stated, and vowed that Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association and the Carpet Training Institute (CTI) continue to work for sustainability of this traditional craft.

Calling hand-woven carpets a distinctive global identity for Pakistan, they expressed the deep emotional connection that artisans and stakeholders have with the industry, which has thrived for decades. However, they apprehended that without immediate intervention, this sector could face irreversible decline.

PCMEA office-bearers also highlighted a recent meeting with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, where they discussed key issues, including complications at the Torkham Border and certain State Bank circulars affecting the sector. The association appealed to the government to address these matters urgently to ensure the industry's survival and protect the livelihoods of millions of workers.

They expressed optimism about the "Uraan Pakistan" programme, stating that it has the potential to alleviate the challenges faced by export-oriented sectors. However, they demanded proper monitoring of the programme's implementation and regular consultations with stakeholders across all export industries.

Export promotion is vital for the country's economic growth, and sustainable progress can only be achieved if the concerns of the export sector are resolved on a priority basis, they concluded.

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Pucar-15 gets 1.5 mln calls, 83% hoax calls in 2024

Islamabad: Islamabad Police's "Pucar 15" emergency helpline received a total of 1.5 million calls in 2024, with a significant portion related to police matters, guiding citizens in emergencies.

However, over 1.25 million calls were unrelated, highlighting the need for responsible use of the helpline, an official told reporter on Saturday.

He said in 2024, a total of 1,507,611 calls were received on the "Pucar 15" helpline, of which 109,819 calls were related to police matters, prompting the dispatch of emergency teams, and 102,833 calls were for various types of guidance.

Meanwhile, more than 1.25 million calls were unrelated, accounting for 83% of the total.

The "Pucar 15" emergency helpline operates from the Safe City Call Center, where thousands of calls are received daily, and citizens are assisted according to the nature of their calls, including police, fire brigade, and ambulance services.

DG Safe City, Shakir Hussain Dawar, said that hoax and unnecessary calls not only waste the police's time but can also cause delays in assisting during emergencies, which could be life-threatening.

DG urged citizens to use the "Pucar 15" helpline responsibly, emphasizing that it is for their convenience, and its proper use is also their responsibility. Citizens should demonstrate responsibility and discourage those who make hoax calls, wasting police time, he added.

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Pucar-15 gets 1.5 mln calls, 83% hoax calls in 2024

Islamabad: Islamabad Police's "Pucar 15" emergency helpline received a total of 1.5 million calls in 2024, with a significant portion related to police matters, guiding citizens in emergencies.

However, over 1.25 million calls were unrelated, highlighting the need for responsible use of the helpline, an official told reporter on Saturday.

He said in 2024, a total of 1,507,611 calls were received on the "Pucar 15" helpline, of which 109,819 calls were related to police matters, prompting the dispatch of emergency teams, and 102,833 calls were for various types of guidance.

Meanwhile, more than 1.25 million calls were unrelated, accounting for 83% of the total.

The "Pucar 15" emergency helpline operates from the Safe City Call Center, where thousands of calls are received daily, and citizens are assisted according to the nature of their calls, including police, fire brigade, and ambulance services.

DG Safe City, Shakir Hussain Dawar, said that hoax and unnecessary calls not only waste the police's time but can also cause delays in assisting during emergencies, which could be life-threatening.

DG urged citizens to use the "Pucar 15" helpline responsibly, emphasizing that it is for their convenience, and its proper use is also their responsibility. Citizens should demonstrate responsibility and discourage those who make hoax calls, wasting police time, he added.