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.



Capacity building workshop on agri-entrepreneurship held


Sukkur: Five days capacity building of agri-entrepreneurship and life Skills to male and female farmers launched at the Khairpur College of Agriculture and Management Sciences (KCAMS) organized by KCAMS in collaboration with the International Trade Centre, SMEDA, the European Union, and IRM on Saturday.



The workshop aims to equip male and female farmers of the district with essential entrepreneurial skills to enhance their productivity and economic contribution.



The workshop was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Jam Ghulam Murtaza Sahito, Principal of KCAMS, alongwith Prof: Dr. Muhammad Saleem Rahpoto, an Economic Expert and Imtiaz Hussain Phulpoto, an agribusiness specialist.



The speakers emphasized the vital role of small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs especially women in driving Sindh’s economy through the production of value-added agricultural and livestock products.



He said that owing to the value addition the local farmers were deprived of to earn sustainable money of their local made things.



He emphasized upon the promotion of the local agri-business with market access and packaging methodology.



Dr. M. Saleem Rahpoto underscored the immense potential of value-added crops like bananas, dates, and mangoes, stressing the need to empower farmers with the skills to increase productivity and tap into larger markets.



Dr. Jam Ghulam Murtaza Sahito highlighted the significance of agribusiness, particularly in creating opportunities for women farmers, and encouraged active participation in learning modern agricultural practices.



He said that small,medium and large entrepreneurs playing vital role in the growth of the agri-business economy as well as poverty alleviation.



He said that this was the Joint venture program of Growth for Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress (GRASP) International Trade Centre (ITC), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) and Institute of Rural Management (IRM).



He said that program aimed to polish the skills of the farmers,innovate their ideas and providing tricks for sustainable growth of their things.



On the first day, participants were trained in innovative farming techniques for bananas, dates, and mangoes, along with advanced livestock management practices.



The sessions, led by experts including Dr. Jam Ghulam Murtaza Sahito and Imtiaz Hussain Phulpoto, provided practical knowledge and insights aimed at boosting agribusiness ventures.



The workshop attracted a large number of farmers and entrepreneurs, who are eager to make the most of this platform to develop skills and improve their livelihoods.



Arrangements for Dhee Rani initiative finalized


Sargodha: In line with special directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Social Welfare Department and Baitul Mall Sargodha, will organize a mass wedding ceremony under the Dhee Rani initiative on January 31 in which 70 couple would tie the knot.



Divisional Director Social Welfare Department Sargodha, Shakra Noreen, and Deputy Director Zaiba Andleeb informed station in-charge APP Sargodha, Makhdoom Shah Latif, that the ceremony would be held at Golden Palm Marriage Hall, Lahore Road, whereas all arrangements for the ceremony have been finalized. Shakra Noreen said that under the initiative, brides would be given Rs100,000 as Salami, gifts, clothes, jewelry and other essential items while the department would also arrange meal for 20 guests of the bride and 20 guests of the bridegroom.



Family of martyred constable provided house


Lahore: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar has provided the family of another martyred policeman, Constable Asghar Ali from Faisalabad, a house worth Rs. 13.5 million.



The house was purchased according to the family’s preference on Satyana Road in Faisalabad. Constable Asghar Ali sacrificed his life in 2018 during a raid when he was shot and martyred.



A police spokesperson said the Punjab government had released funds for the martyr’s family’s house.



ICT’s E-12 illegal constructions face bulldozers


Islamabad: The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has intensified its campaign against illegal constructions and land encroachments in the federal capital, with sector E-12 as the latest target in its anti-occupation drive.



In a recent operation in Sector E-12, multiple unauthorized structures were demolished, said the spokesman of ICT administration here.



Assistant Commissioner (AC) Saddar zone led the operation, deploying heavy machinery to remove the illegal constructions. Teams from the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Islamabad Police assisted in the activity, ensuring the operation proceeded without interruptions.



On the occasion, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon emphasized the administration’s commitment to clearing all encroachments in the city. He instructed teams to continue similar actions across Islamabad until no illegal structures remain.



‘No illegal construction will be allowed in the federal capital,’ stated Memon, adding that strict measures will be taken against individuals involved in such activities.



The administration plans to sustain its efforts against land grabbers and unauthorized developments, signaling a zero-tolerance policy for encroachments in Islamabad.



Police arrest two bike lifters with three stolen motorcycles


Rawalpindi: Police have arrested two bike lifters and street criminals and recovered three stolen motorcycles, stolen goods, cash Rs 100,000 and other items from their possession, said a Police spokesman.



He informed that a team under the supervision of Station House Officer (SHO), Taxila Police Station managed to net two bike lifters namely Saeed Khaan and Zahid Gul and recovered three stolen motorcycles, stolen goods, cash Rs 100,000 and other items from their possession.



A case has been registered against the accused while further investigation is underway.



Superintendent of Police, Potohar said the accomplices and facilitators of the accused would also be sent behind bars.



In another raid, Gujar Khan police arrested a proclaimed offender namely Naveed wanted in double murder case in which two citizens, Abdullah and Raheem were killed.



Two other accused wanted in double murder case were sent behind the bars earlier, the spokesman informed.