Category: Islamabad

Islamabad:: The Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki on Thursday inaugurated an amazing display of Pakistan’s scenic photos on the boundary wall of the Diplomatic Enclave opposite the Saudi Embassy, symbolizing the enduring friendship and cultural ties between the two brotherly nations.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by the Chairman of Capital Development Authority (CDA), Muhammad Ali Randhawa, along with other dignitaries and officials.

Speaking to the media, Ambassador Al-Malki described the initiative as a tribute to Pakistan’s vibrant culture and rich heritage. ‘This effort highlights the beauty and diversity of Pakistan to the world while celebrating the deep-rooted brotherhood between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan,’ he stated.

The photo display captivated participants with its vivid portrayal of Pakistan’s cultural and natural diversity. Among the highlights were the majestic Badshahi Mosque, the lively Shandur Polo Festival, the rustic charm of desert life, the architectural wonder of the mosque located within the Khewra Salt Mine and K2, the second highest mountain on earth.

Other images showcased traditional activities, such as jaggery-making, and featured Pakistan’s unique wildlife, including the partridge and cheetah providing a window into the country’s lifestyle and biodiversity.

The event underscored the profound and enduring relationship between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, rooted in shared values and mutual respect. This initiative forms part of a larger effort to promote cultural exchange and strengthen the historic ties between the two nations, further enriching their longstanding partnership.

Islamabad:: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) held a significant ceremony on Thursday at its headquarters to open the financial bids for outsourcing operations at Islamabad International Airport.

The event marked the unsealing of a financial proposal submitted by the TERG Consortium on October 7. The consortium proposed a concession fee of 47.25% of the project scope for the PAA, falling short of the reference percentage set at 56%.

The bid will now undergo a detailed review by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which is serving as the transaction advisor for this project. The IFC is expected to submit its evaluation report to the PAA by January 9, 2025.

The final decision on awarding the concession will depend on a comprehensive review by the PAA Board and subsequent approval by the Federal Cabinet.

The ceremony was broadcast live on national television and PAA's official social media platforms, ensuring transparency in the process.

Islamabad:: President of the Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Rana Muhammad Siddique Khan on Thursday hailed the five-year homegrown national economic Plan, 'Uraan Pakistan' (2024-29) and said that this comprehensive plan will play significant role for sustainable economic development in the country.

The five-year homegrown national economic Plan, 'Uraan Pakistan' (2024-29) announced by the government to be milestone in sustainable economic growth and termed it as a significant step for the restoration of country's economy, President of the Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Rana Muhammad Siddique Khan told reporter here.

The President GCCI said that currently the country's economy is facing major challenges and the business community of Gujranwala welcomes 'Uraan Pakistan' and considers it pivotal for the country's economic development.

He said that this five-year homegrown national economic Plan would help achieve sustainable economic growth through competitiveness and productivity.

He said that this comprehensive five-year economic plan (2024-29) has three main pillars including the leading role of Private sector, exports led growth and managing the public debt, which was quite relevant for the restoration of the national economy.

Rana Muhammad Siddique Khan said that because of the continuity of prudent economic reform by the incumbent government, country economic indicators are going in the right direction and all international financial rating agencies have positive views about the country's economy.

Meanwhile, praising the economic strategy evolved by the current economic team of the government, he said that now 'We achieved the economic stability and through the comprehensive economic road of' Uraan Pakistan' country's economy to achieve sustainable economic growth also.'

He said that this five-year plan announced by the government is significant for increasing productivity and competitiveness to revive the economy adding exploration of new markets; diversification of exports; lowering the exchange rate were the key for sustainable export-led economic growth in the country.

Rana Muhammad Siddique Khan said export-led growth and the main role of the private sector to run the economy as pivot of this five-year national economic plan.

The President GCCI said that 'we achieved a sustainable economic surplus and also achieved the foreign account surplus in the current fiscal year 2024-25.'

He said that in past decades Pakistan achieved economic growth but for sustainable economic growth, the country needs a comprehensive economic strategy through industrial competitiveness.

He said that a decline in policy rate would benefit the business community and help towards the overall business activities and economic development.

President GCCI said that in his concluding remarks that the business community of Gujranwala has always play its significant role in the economic development of the country and in future 'We also support all the comprehensive policies of the incumbent government for the revival of the country's economy in future.'

Islamabad:: Director of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Sindh, Dr. Muhammad Naeem, said on Thursday that measles cases witnessed a significant surge due to disrupted vaccination campaigns during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Talking to a private news channel, he said that in that period, particularly, the measles vaccination campaign was totally smashed because of the lockdown.

The other big reason for this spike is the reluctance of parents to visit vaccination centers, which also contributed to measles cases, he added.

He said that the Sindh Health Department, in collaboration with GAVI and WHO, has vaccinated approximately one million children across the province.

The vaccination drive will be conducted four times a year with measles-rubella vaccine support, he added.

According to the health department, around 6,600 children have been affected by measles in Sindh since November, while approximately 130 children lost their lives to the disease last year.

Islamabad:: Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Friday forecasted rain and snow over the mountains in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, North Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and adjoining hilly areas.

Meanwhile, moderate to dense fog is expected to persist in most plain areas of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and upper Sindh during the morning and night hours.

According to the synoptic situation, a frontal weather system is affecting the upper parts of the country and is likely to persist until January 6.

In the past 24 hours, cold and partly cloudy weather dominated most parts of the country, with very cold conditions in hilly areas. Rain accompanied by snowfall over mountains was reported in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, North Balochistan, Murree, and its surroundings.

Dense fog continued to blanket most districts of Punjab and upper Sindh.

The highest recorded rainfall included 20 mm in Mir Khani, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, followed by 12 mm in Dir (Upper), and 5 mm in Dalbandin, Balochistan.

Other areas also received light rainfall. Snowfall measured 7 inches in Kalam, 3 inches in Astore, and 1 inch in Gopis and Chitral.

The lowest temperatures recorded today were -9 C in Skardu and Gupis, -8C in Leh, and -5 C in Astore, reflecting the biting cold in these regions.