Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: In a bid to tackle the widespread issue of counterfeit stamp papers, the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has introduced a new system requiring biometric verification for their issuance.

This step was expected to enhance security and prevent fraudulent activities in legal and financial transactions.

The ICT administration has announced that stamp papers will no longer be issued without biometric verification.

Any stamp paper lacking this verification will be deemed invalid. This decision comes as part of efforts to address the long-standing problem of fake stamp papers, which have caused significant issues for citizens, particularly in legal and revenue-related matters.

A spokesperson for the ICT administration explained that the new system involves attaching a biometric slip to each stamp paper, simplifying the verification process. This measure is designed to ensure that all transactions involving stamp papers are secure and transparent.

Authorities have issued clear instructions to stamp vendors, mandating compliance with the biometric verification requirement. Vendors who fail to follow these guidelines will be barred from issuing stamp papers. Islamabad's Deputy Commissioner, Irfan Nawaz Memon, highlighted that this initiative is a crucial step toward eliminating counterfeit stamp papers from the city.

Previously, the use of fake stamp papers led to numerous fraud cases, creating challenges for both individuals and institutions. The introduction of biometric verification is expected to provide a more reliable system, allowing residents to conduct transactions with greater confidence.

Irfan Memon emphasized that the new system will ensure the complete eradication of fake stamp papers, streamlining processes and reducing fraudulent activities. This development is anticipated to benefit both the government and the public by fostering a more secure and efficient environment for legal and financial dealings.

The move marks a significant shift in how stamp papers are issued and verified, aiming to restore trust in the system and protect citizens from potential fraud.

Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar Friday chaired third meeting to prepare a comprehensive road map for enhancing trade, economic and investment cooperation between Pakistan and Trkiye.

He reviewed progress made in meetings of Joint Working Groups and sectoral plans.

He also reviewed arrangements for Pakistan Turkiye Business Forum, being held during a high level visit.

This meeting is part of preparations for the 7th Session of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC), to be held in Islamabad soon.

Islamabad: The lower court on Friday extended the interim bail of Bushra Bibi, wife of the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), till February 17 in Ramna police station case.

Hearing the case, Additional Session Judge Amir Zia granted the bail, where her lawyer sought exemption from her appearance in court.

Bushra Bibi, currently detained in Central Jail Adiala in connection with a separate £190 million case, was granted interim bail in the Ramna police station case.

Her lawyer, Ansar Kayani, argued that since she is already in custody, the Ramna police should conduct their investigation within the jail premises.

However, the court accepted the request, extending her interim bail and adjourning further proceedings till February 17.

Islamabad: Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Captain (R) Syed Zeeshan Haider took immediate action on Friday after a video of a car drifting on Jinnah Avenue went viral, leading to the vehicle's impoundment.

A public relations officer told reporter that the CTO Zeeshan ordered strict action against the violator, ensuring the car was seized at the police station.

Efforts are also underway to track down the suspect, who will be arrested soon, CTO Zeeshan confirmed. CTO Zeeshan added that the individual had previously been booked for violating traffic laws, showing a repeated disregard for road safety.

"Violating traffic laws can be life-threatening," CTO Zeeshan warned, urging citizens to follow road safety rules. Zeeshan emphasized that the Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) would not tolerate dangerous activities such as drifting and one-wheeling under any circumstances.

The CTO reaffirmed that the ITP is taking strict and indiscriminate action against traffic violators to ensure the safety of all road users.

Islamabad: Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan Friday said that the First Joint CPA Asia and South-East Asia Regional Conference, scheduled for February 6-10, would mark the beginning of a new chapter in regional collaboration.

In an exclusive interview with PTV, the Speaker explained that the conference aims to strengthen regional ties, promote cultural understanding and facilitate the exchange of ideas among participating nations.

Speaker noted that the conference will feature interactive sessions, panel discussions and presentations, providing a comprehensive platform for parliamentarians to engage in meaningful dialogue and knowledge-sharing.

This conference will provide a unique platform for parliamentarians from these countries to engage in constructive dialogue, share experiences and explore avenues for cooperation, he said.

Furthermore, he said the conference will facilitate the sharing of best practices in governance, legislation and public policy, enabling participating countries to learn from each other' s experiences and improve their own systems.

Lastly, the conference will provide a forum for discussion of regional security challenges and cooperation, allowing countries to work together to address common climate threats, he added.

The Speaker also appreciated the government's efforts in increasing the confidence of foreign countries in

Pakistan.

"The government's policies have been successful in boosting the confidence of foreign nations and this conference is a testament to that," he added.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division), Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari Friday lauded the efforts of authors Tahir Khan Kayani and Aziz Ahmed Jamali in highlighting the scenic natural landscapes of Balochistan through the publication of the book 'Balochistan: Air Panoramas and Landscapes'.

Addressing the book launching ceremony at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) on Friday, the minister delighted over the publication of a book, hoping that authors would continue the same passion and series in the future as well.

He said that this book would not only create an awareness among the public about the province, but also attract the massive foreign and domestic tourists thronging to Balochistan. 'I am fortunate and delighted to be present at the launching ceremony of an important book on Balochistan, ' he added.

He further emphasized that Balochistan would emerge as an important part of Pakistan's economy in the future as this important province was rich with minerals, natural resources and natural recreational spots, we have to convey the story associated with every picture of this book to Balochistan's youth.

Awais Leghari said that because of this book, he had seen a lot about Balochistan that did not know before, although our tribe had a deep and old connection with the province.

He said that authors of the book had presented the real and scenic beauty of Balochistan, we would work to apprise the world regarding the unseen beauties of Balochistan.

The minister said, 'Our young generation is in great need of books, Almighty has blessed Balochistan with countless and rich with natural landscape.'

He added that Balochistan was victim of terrorism and other problems but the readers of this book would enjoy the reading it. Book was telling the story about province hidden scenic beauty, culture, traditions, and geography, the minister concluded.