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FIA nabs suspect involved in human trafficking and visa fraud

Multan: Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) composite Circle Multan on Friday apprehended a suspect while raiding in Mian Chunnu who was involved in human trafficking and visa fraud.

According to FIA spokesperson here on Friday,the suspect -- Tahir Mushtaq swindled Rs 7.6 million from 36 citizens promising them for job in Dubai and Oman but failed to deliver and went into hiding.He had been wanted by authorities since 2018 and seven cases were registered against him in the FIA Multan Zone.

Further investigation was underway,said spokesperson.

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Punjab to establish province-wide simulation centers: Health minister

Lahore: Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has announced plans to establish a simulation center across the province following the successful implementation of a simulation center at King Edward Medical University (KEMU) in collaboration with the American Heart Association (AHA). Presiding over a meeting on simulation training at KEMU on Friday, the minister stated, 'This training will significantly enhance the skills of doctors and paramedics. Regular simulation training will be initiated at KEMU and Services Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS), while Rescue 1122 paramedics will also benefit from these programs.' KEMU Vice Chancellor Professor Mahmood Ayaz assured full support for expanding simulation training programs at the university. Dr. Anjum from the University of Washington provided a detailed briefing on the effectiveness of simulation labs, showcasing their role in improving medical education and practice. Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique appreciated Dr. Anjum's presentation and stresse d the importance of introducing simulation training in all medical schools in Lahore. He highlighted that departments such as gynecology, orthopedics, and surgery would greatly benefit from this modern approach. Professor Abrar Ashraf and Professor Ahmed Uzair Qureshi echoed the need for simulation-based learning in medical education. The meeting was attended by prominent medical professionals, including Professor Muhammad Moin, CEO Mayo Hospital Professor Faisal Masood, Professor Saima Iqbal, Dr. Irfan Asmat Butt, and others.

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Single digit temperatures to prevail as cold wave intensifies: Sardar Sarfraz

Islamabad: Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfraz Friday predicted a significant increase in the intensity of the cold wave sweeping across the country where the mercury is expected to drop further from January 4, with temperatures remaining in single digits for the next one to two weeks.

In an exclusive interview with a private news channel, he said the cold winds originating from Quetta will move towards Karachi, bringing with them a chill that will be felt across the country.

He attributed the impending cold snap to a high-pressure system building up in the north, which will push the cold air masses towards the southern regions.

When asked about the expected temperature range, Sarfraz replied, "Daytime temperatures will struggle to rise above 8-10°C, while nighttime temperatures will plummet to as low as 2-4°C in some areas."

Sarfraz also cautioned that the cold wave may lead to foggy conditions in the mornings, potentially disrupting air and road travel.

"We urge everyone to check the weather forecast before embarking on their daily commutes and to exercise caution while driving in foggy conditions," he added.

The Chief Meteorologist assured that his department is closely monitoring the weather situation and will issue regular updates and advisories to help the public prepare for the impending cold snap.

As the country braces for the intense cold wave, citizens are advised to take necessary precautions to stay safe and warm. Stay tuned for further updates and follow the latest weather forecasts to plan your daily activities accordingly.

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Uzbek Ambassador vows to increase bilateral trade with Pakistan


Karachi: The Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Alisher Tukhtaev, highlighting the progress in bilateral trade with Pakistan, Friday stated that the Uzbek Embassy is aiming to increase bilateral trade to US$1 billion in the coming years as per leadership level agreement of both countries.



Bilateral trade has been progressing well, with mutual trade between Uzbekistan and Pakistan increasing from US$122 million in 2019 to US$387 million in 2023, he added speaking at a meeting at Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).



Economic and Trade Counsellor Bakhrom Yusupov, KCCI President Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, SVP Zia ul Arfeen, VP Faisal Khalil Ahmed, Former KCCI Presidents Majyd Aziz and Junaid Esmail Makda, along with the Managing Committee Members, were present at the meeting, said a statement issued here.



Referring to the recent commencement of direct flights between Tashkent and Lahore, the Uzbek Ambassador hinted launch of direct flights from Karachi to Uzbekistan this year and mentioned soft visa regime for Pakistani citizens, for both business and tourist visas, making it easier for people to visit each other and build stronger connections.



Noting the long history of brotherly relations, strengthened by cultural and religious affinities as well as continuous growth in strong ties of Uzbekistan and Pakistan he said , ‘Today, our two countries are closer than ever, thanks to the realization of the vision of regional connectivity between our countries.’ He added that tireless efforts of both countries to enhance economic cooperation and strategic collaborations have reinforced the vision.



He highlighted the investment opportunities in Uzbekistan, which offers a safe, conducive, and liberal environment for investment and invited Pakistani businessmen to explore opportunities in sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, leather, tannery, food processing, agro-businesses.



Extending his support for promoting B2B connectivity for exploring and materializing trade and investment opportunities he asked KCCI to send a business delegation to Uzbekistan for exploring investment opportunities in key Uzbek regions.



Earlier, while welcoming the Uzbek Ambassador, KCCI President Jawed Bilwani stated that Pakistan and Uzbekistan share deep-rooted religious, historical, and cultural ties, and both countries are keen to further deepen and strengthen these bonds by exploring new horizons for mutual prosperity and connectivity.



He emphasized on diversification of trade to enhance bilateral exports and promote economic cooperation and said that both the significant cotton growing countries can pursue collaboration in Research and Development to develop high-yield and disease-resistant cotton varieties, improve cotton processing into quality yarn and fabric and thereby promoting sustainable cotton production.



He also encouraged Uzbek investors to collaborate in agriculture by setting up food processing units, storage facilities, and advancing the livestock sector. Joint ventures in high-yield farming and agro-food trade in wheat, rice, oil seeds, frozen foods, dates, figs, pineapples, potatoes, vegetables, and bovine animals could boost bilateral agro-food trade, he added.



Bilwani highlighted potential to enter into joint ventures in transportation, logistics, IT, textiles, leather, sports, housing and construction, and dairy and livestock sectors and suggested cultural exchange programs and scholarships as well as language programs and joint research initiatives for reinforcing mutual understanding brotherly ties between people of Uzbekistan and Pakistani.



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Business community committed to contribute in economic development

Islamabad: The business community is committed to contributing to the country's economic development and prosperity through the growth of businesses.

However, obstacles to creating a business-friendly environment must be addressed by those in positions of authority, said Abdul Rehman Siddiqui, Acting President of ICCI, while addressing a delegation from Tarnol, led by Malik Shabbir Awan, the founder President of the Talagang Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which visited ICCI to offer congratulations.

Siddiqui recognized Tarnol as an important business hub within the capital and emphasized that collective efforts could dismantle barriers, create opportunities, and lead the community toward greater prosperity.

He assured that ICCI would address issues such as encroachments, water shortages, poor road conditions, inadequate street lighting, and especially the law and order situation by bringing them to the attention of the relevant authorities for swift resolution to enable businesses to flourish in a peaceful and secure environment.

Zafar Bakhtawari, Secretary General of the United Business Group, praised ICCI's commitment to improving the local business environment and expressed optimism that the chamber would succeed in establishing a favorable business atmosphere in the region.

On behalf of the former ICCI President, Chairman of the Clean and Green Islamabad Movement, and United Business Group core committee member Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, he announced that a water filtration plant would be installed in Tarnol to benefit both the business community and local residents.

Malik Shabbir Awan, the Talagang Chamber of Commerce and Industry's founding President, acknowledged ICCI's efforts to foster an environment that is enabling entrepreneurship.

He stressed that collaboration within the business community could lead to transformative change. ICCI's Acting Senior Vice President, Nasir Mehmood Chaudhry, committed to working closely with stakeholders to address key challenges and promote economic growth in the region.

Malik Abdul Aziz, while expressing gratitude to the delegation for their visit, reaffirmed ICCI's commitment to resolving the business community's issues and supporting a conducive business environment.

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Five wanted in triple murder netted

Attock: Police on Friday netted five suspects wanted in killing three persons while injuring two others over land dispute near Gullyal in the limits of Jand Police station on December 19. The dead and injured besides the assassins belong to the same family.

The spokesman of district Police has said that 50 years old Muhammad Mumriaz along with 30 years old Aamir Shahzad and 26 years old Muhammad Kamran was coming back to their village Chapri on their motorcycles when a group of masked men equipped with different weapons hiding behind bushes showered bullets over them resultantly all three received multiple bullet injuries and died on the spot while Jamal and Usman was injured. The Jand Police on the statement of Usman registered a triple murder case against the suspects and launched a haunt to arrest them. Police through human and digital intelligence traced the nominated suspects identified as Shahzad, Nazakat, Zulfiqar, Intisar and Qadeer during successful raids at their hideouts and sent them behind bars.