Author: dailybalochistantimes.com

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Ways discussed to bolster Pak-US trade

Islamabad:: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb was called on by Pakistan's Ambassador to the US, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh to discuss ways to bolster the Pakistan-US bilateral relationship, particularly in trade, investment, and economic cooperation.

The meeting highlighted the importance of the Pakistan-US partnership, with the US being Pakistan's largest trading partner and export destination. They agreed to enhance economic diplomacy, explore joint business ventures, and promote investment opportunities in Pakistan.

With Pakistan's positive macroeconomic developments, including improved economic indicators and stability, the minister and ambassador decided to capitalize on these opportunities by engaging the Pakistani diaspora and providing regular updates on macroeconomic data to encourage investment in Pakistan's growing economy.

This development is expected to further strengthen Pakistan's economic ties with the US, building on their seven-decade-long relationship.

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Rain, snowfall forecast in Murree, administration issues travel advisory


Rawalpindi: The Meteorological Department has predicted rains and snowfall in the next few days in Murree, putting the local administration on alert.



According to the details, rains and snowfall are likely to continue till January 6 in Murree, Galiyat and surrounding areas.



District Administration Murree has issued a tourists advisory asking the tourists and travelers to be careful during their travels, and to plan their travel programs according to the weather conditions. Local people and tourists should get information about the weather conditions from electronic, print and social media before traveling to Murree, says the advisory.



Deputy Commissioner Murree, Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi while talking to the media on Thursday said that service centers have been set up at 13 places in Murree for tourists’ guidance.



He urged the tourists to follow the advisory issued by the district administration.



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CDA to revive Shakarparian Cultural Complex

Islamabad:: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Board on Thursday decided to revive the Cultural Complex at Shakarparian and transform it into a state-of-the-art hub for cultural activities.

The decision was taken in a meeting held under the chairmanship of CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa.

It was told that the complex will feature a modern cultural hall, showcasing both national and international cultures.

The CDA Board also decided to fully operationalize the Arts and Crafts Village site.

The CDA Board approved a policy to make payments under rate running contracts conditional upon third-party validation, ensuring transparency and accountability.

To ensure fairness and inclusivity, the CDA Board decided to seek feedback from all stakeholders before increasing subdivision and amalgamation charges for commercial and residential properties.

The revised rates will only be implemented after public hearings and stakeholder input.

Acknowledging the need to align regulations with modern requirements, the Board decided to consult all stakeholders for revising regulations of Space for setting up Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) towers in Islamabad.

The aim is to draft regulations that address current and future needs effectively.

The Board also approved hiring of consultants on G2G basis for conducting topographic surveys of CDA-acquired land. This initiative aims to support the planning of various development schemes on the acquired land.

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Commissioner chairs meeting on outsourcing of WMC operations:

Sargodha: Commissioner Sargodha Division, Jahanzab Awan on Thursday presided over a meeting to discuss the outsourcing of the Waste Management Company (WMC).

The session was attended by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) SWMC Rana Shahid Imran, Director Local Government Asif Iqbal Malik,Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rtd) Fahad Mehmood,and Deputy Commissioners of Mianwali and Bhakkar, along with Assistant Commissioners with some joining via video link.

During the briefing,CEO WMC Shahid Imran outlined the outsourcing system, stating that the company would officially commence cleaning operations in all four districts on January 25.

The presentation detailed various initiatives, including manual sweeping, de-silting, mechanical sweeping, primary waste collection, and door-to-door waste collection plans.

The Commissioner reviewed the machinery and human resources and emphasizing the need to align resources with on-ground realities to ensure program's success.

He instructed all deputy commissioners to closely monitor all aspects of the waste management operations,with special attention to maintaining regular meetings with contractors and inspections of waste enclosures and dumping sites.

"The Clean Punjab Program is a flagship initiative of the government," stated the commissioner, stressing that the administration of all four districts must be thoroughly familiar with the outsourcing system.He directed the CEO of the WMC to provide detailed cleaning operation plans to the deputy commissioners .

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Finance Minister reviews REMIT progress

Islamabad:: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Thursday chaired the 3rd meeting of Revenue Mobilization, Investment and Trade Programme (REMIT) Steering Committee.

The meeting was aimed at reviewing the status and progress on the implementation of decisions taken by the Committee in its earlier meetings with regard to revenue mobilization, investment climate, trade and macro-economy, according to press release issued by finance ministry.

British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Ms Jane Marriott and senior leadership from key government ministries, including Ministry of Planning, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Industries and Production, Board of Investment, FBR and REMIT's implementing partners - World Bank, GCSI and ASI were also present.

The committee discussed the progress made by stakeholders across various sectors, focusing on strengthening macroeconomic stability and creating conditions conducive to high and sustained inclusive growth.

Areas reviewed included revenue mobilization, trade, investment climate, and macroeconomic governance, with a particular emphasis on addressing climate change challenges.

Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb commended the overall progress of the Programme and called for a more proactive and coordinated approach among implementing partners.

He urged the effective use of management and monitoring tools to ensure the successful completion of the Programme's objectives.

The Minister also emphasized his personal commitment to overseeing the progress of activities and deliverables, ensuring that the Programme stays on track.

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RPO reinstates 16 terminated officials

Multan: Regional Police Officer (RPO) Capt (retd) Muhammad Sohail Chaudhry has conditionally reinstated 16 police officials.

The RPO convened an orderly room on Thursday to hear the appeals of 16 dismissed police officers including a sub-inspector, a head constable and 14 constables.

The reinstated officers had previously been dismissed for refusing to perform their duties. In a move aimed at promoting reform and rehabilitation, the RPO reinstated them to their positions after imposing the penalty of a one-year increment stoppage.

Addressing the officers, he firmly reminded them of the gravity of their responsibilities and issued a stern warning that future negligence or misconduct would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Among those reinstated were officers from District Lodhran, including Sub-Inspector Ashfaq Ahmed, Head Constable Muhammad Abid and Constables Muhammad Imran, Asad Israr, Shafqat Javed, Ramzan Ashraf, Muhammad Asif, Amir Fida, Muhammad Sanwal, Muhammad Mujahid, Muhammad Imran, Muhammad Bilal, Tahir Rasheed, Faisal Rehman, Nasser Abbas and Masood Hamza.

The decision reflects the leadership's focus on upholding discipline while providing a path for redemption. The officers were strongly urged to perform their duties with the utmost professionalism and integrity, ensuring the safety and service of the community they were entrusted to protect. The RPO's actions underscore the importance of accountability within the police force while fostering a culture of commitment and excellence.