Man arrested for stealing hospital medicines


Multan: The Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Multan arrested a man involved in stealing the government medicines from Nishtar Hospital on Saturday.



According to ACE officials, accused Muhammad Waseem was employed as a dispenser in the pharmacy department of the hospital. The medicine was stolen from the pharmacy leading to the registration of a case.



The accused was arrested during a raid and further investigation was underway to gather more information about the theft and the involvement of other individuals.



Pakistani survivors of Dakhla maritime incident to be repatriated: FO


Islamabad: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating the repatriation of 22 Pakistani survivors of the recent maritime incident near the Dakhla port in Morocco, Following thorough investigations and careful coordination with Moroccan authorities, these individuals will be returned to Pakistan in batches, the Foreign Office Spokesperson said on Saturday.



The Pakistan embassy in Rabat has been working closely with Moroccan authorities to oversee the relief efforts and finalize the complex repatriation procedure. The embassy’s consular team in Dakhla has been instrumental in planning the return of the survivors.



The Foreign Ministry’s Crisis Management Unit (CMU) has been actively engaged in monitoring the situation, providing necessary support to the affected individuals, and maintaining active communication with their families.



He said national identity verification remained a critical component of this process which was completed expeditiously in coordination with the Interior Ministry and the relevant departments.



Separately, the Foreign Ministry is also facilitating the return of 11 Pakistani nationals from Mauritania. These individuals have voluntarily chosen to return home and will be part of a separate repatriation process.



The welfare of Pakistani nationals abroad remains an important priority of the government and it will continue to work to extend all possible facilitation in this regard, he said adding further updates will be shared as the repatriation efforts move forward.



12 dead, 1,574 injured in Punjab road accidents


Lahore: At least 12 people were killed and 1,574 others injured in 1,370 road accidents in Punjab during the last 24 hours.



As many as 657 people with serious injuries were shifted to different hospitals, while 917 with minor injuries were treated at the incident site by the rescue medical teams.



The data analysis showed that 856 drivers, 65 underage drivers, 213 pedestrians, and 517 passengers were among the victims of road crashes. The statistics showed that 231 accidents were reported in Lahore, which affected 286 people, placing the provincial capital at top of the list, followed by Multan with 85 accidents and 99 victims, and at third Faisalabad with 81 accidents and 99 victims.



According to the data, 1,283 motorbikes, 93 auto-rickshaws, 192 motorcars, 28 vans, 18 passenger buses, 25 trucks and 110 other types of vehicles and slow-moving carts were involved in the road accidents.



12 dead, 1,574 injured in Punjab road accidents


Lahore: At least 12 people were killed and 1,574 others injured in 1,370 road accidents in Punjab during the last 24 hours.



As many as 657 people with serious injuries were shifted to different hospitals, while 917 with minor injuries were treated at the incident site by the rescue medical teams.



The data analysis showed that 856 drivers, 65 underage drivers, 213 pedestrians, and 517 passengers were among the victims of road crashes. The statistics showed that 231 accidents were reported in Lahore, which affected 286 people, placing the provincial capital at top of the list, followed by Multan with 85 accidents and 99 victims, and at third Faisalabad with 81 accidents and 99 victims.



According to the data, 1,283 motorbikes, 93 auto-rickshaws, 192 motorcars, 28 vans, 18 passenger buses, 25 trucks and 110 other types of vehicles and slow-moving carts were involved in the road accidents.



CCP approves asset acquisition of Crescent Cotton Mills


Islamabad: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has granted approval for the acquisition of certain assets, including land, equipment and machinery of Crescent Cotton Mills Limited (CCML) by Sultan Spinning Industries (Private) Limited (SSIL).



The CCP defined the relevant product market as ‘yarn,’ segmented into cotton, synthetic, and blended yarn, based on differences in production, consumer preferences and pricing, said a press release issued here .



The assessment determined that CCML holds a minimal market share, which will diminish further post-transaction as the assets will no longer contribute to its operations.



In contrast, SSIL’s market entry is anticipated to invigorate competition by introducing a new participant in the yarn industry. This is expected to stimulate competitive pricing, innovation and increased product availability, benefiting consumers and the broader market.



The CCP’s Phase I assessment concluded that the transaction poses no risk of lessening of competition. Instead, it paves the way for enhanced consumer choice and encourages fair competition. Additionally, the transaction involves the transfer of existing assets rather than the consolidation of market share, ensuring no additional barriers to entry for potential new competitors.



SSIL, a private limited company incorporated under the laws of Pakistan, has not yet commenced operations but intends to engage in the manufacturing and sale of yarn once operational. Meanwhile, CCML, a publicly listed company, remains engaged in the manufacturing and sale of yarn.



CCP approves asset acquisition of Crescent Cotton Mills


Islamabad: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has granted approval for the acquisition of certain assets, including land, equipment and machinery of Crescent Cotton Mills Limited (CCML) by Sultan Spinning Industries (Private) Limited (SSIL).



The CCP defined the relevant product market as ‘yarn,’ segmented into cotton, synthetic, and blended yarn, based on differences in production, consumer preferences and pricing, said a press release issued here .



The assessment determined that CCML holds a minimal market share, which will diminish further post-transaction as the assets will no longer contribute to its operations.



In contrast, SSIL’s market entry is anticipated to invigorate competition by introducing a new participant in the yarn industry. This is expected to stimulate competitive pricing, innovation and increased product availability, benefiting consumers and the broader market.



The CCP’s Phase I assessment concluded that the transaction poses no risk of lessening of competition. Instead, it paves the way for enhanced consumer choice and encourages fair competition. Additionally, the transaction involves the transfer of existing assets rather than the consolidation of market share, ensuring no additional barriers to entry for potential new competitors.



SSIL, a private limited company incorporated under the laws of Pakistan, has not yet commenced operations but intends to engage in the manufacturing and sale of yarn once operational. Meanwhile, CCML, a publicly listed company, remains engaged in the manufacturing and sale of yarn.