Business Observer

The 4th T20 international of five-match series between Pakistan and New Zealand will be played at Lahore today. The match will start at 7:30 pm on Thursday. The series is levelled at 1-1. The fifth and last match of the series will also be played at the same venue on Saturday. Source: Radio Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved in principle fundamental reforms and reconstruction of the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC). He gave this approval while chairing the third and final phase of a high-level meeting in Islamabad, focusing on the assessment of reforms in the power sector. To ensure the implementation of these reforms and their effective execution, the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed a committee, which was tasked with finalizing recommendations and overseeing the application of reforms and restructuring. In order to ensure the successful implementation of power sector reforms, the Prime Minister has also ordered to establish a cell at the Prime Minister's Office in Islamabad, which will closely monitor the entire process. The Prime Minister also sought a report regarding conversion of high-loss fans to energy-efficient fans, a project initiated during his previous tenure. Additionally, the prime minister also ordered to chalk out a comprehensive strategy to provide energy-efficient fans to low-income consumers. Efforts will be made to ensure the provision of electricity to industries at reduced rates to promote industrial growth and increase revenue. The meeting resulted in significant decisions regarding the transmission system of electricity and the Distribution Companies (DISCOs). The meeting extensively discussed various proposals regarding the issues and reforms of the National Transmission and Dispatch Company. Recommendations were also made regarding the current situation of the Distribution Companies, their losses, and outsourcing. The meeting was briefed on tariff rationalization and informed about electricity rates provided to industries and domestic consumers. Various regulations were presented in the meeting, suggesting the use of electricity instead of gas for cooking purposes, among other uses. Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the briefing and issued directives for the timely implementation of approved reforms. The meeting was attended by Federal Mi nisters Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ataullah Tarar, Sardar Owais Khan Leghari, Dr. Musadik Malik, Abdul Aleem Khan, former Minister of Power Muhammad Ali, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Jahangir Khan, Members of the National Assembly Bilal Azhar Kiani, Engineer Qamar ul Islam, Coordinator to the Minister Shahbaz Sharif Rana Ehsan Afzal, Chairman FBR, Chairman NEPRA, and other relevant high-ranking officials. Source: Radio Pakistan

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has vowed to eradicate menace of smuggling and strengthen national economy. He expressed these views during his visit to the residence of martyred Customs Inspector Syed Hasnain Ali Tirmizi in Abbottabad today [Thursday]. Shehbaz Sharif said the nation's billions of dollars will be saved and spent on the progress and prosperity of the country. He said interior ministry has been asked to coordinate closely with the provincial governments to eliminate the smuggling. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed his commitment to make the country abode of peace. He said the security forces and law enforcement agencies are rendering unprecedented sacrifices for the better future of coming generations. The Prime Minister said the nation greatly values the sacrifices of these brave personnel and officers. On the occasion, the Prime Minister accompanied by Federal Ministers Attaullah Tarar and Amir Muqam offered fateha for the martyr and presented a cheque to the father of the mart yr under Shuhada package. He was appreciative of Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir for the support extended by Pakistan Army to deal with this menace. The Prime Minister paid tributes to Shaheed Customs Inspector Syed Hasnain Ali Tirmizi saying his sacrifice will not go in waste. He said Syed Hasnain Ali Tirmizi is hero of the nation and his sacrifice will always be remembered. Announcing the Shuhuda package, Shehbaz Sharif said under this package, those in the rank of sepoy will be provided with a cash prize of ten million rupees along with 13. 5 million rupees for home. For the rank of Inspector, he said that cash grant of 15 million rupees will be provided to the bereaved family while 25 million rupees for home. He said free education and health services will also be provided to the family of the martyrs. Source: Radio Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed government's commitment to empower the youth with modern knowledge and vocational training to make them a valuable asset for the country. He was addressing 'Girls in ICT' event held in Islamabad today in connection with International Day of Information and Communication Technology for Girls. The Prime Minister said technology will lead us to a bright future and we will promote young entrepreneurs so they can show their skills internationally and earn the much needed foreign reserves for the country. Shehbaz Sharif appreciated that a large number of females are associated with tech related fields. Earlier, Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja highlighted different polices and initiatives of the government for the betterment of youth especially in the IT sector. She said government is focused on facilitating the young freelancers and innovators to enable them grow their businesses and give them international access. On the occasion, the Prime Minister distributed commendation certificates among women and girls for their services in IT sector. Source: Radio Pakistan

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in their separate messages on World Malaria Day today called for awareness about the importance of prevention of disease. President Asif Ali Zardari in his message emphasized collective efforts to curb malaria. He said the measures are aimed at testing, confirming and standardizing the treatment of every suspected case of malaria. Asif Ali Zardari called upon the provincial governments and other stakeholders to unite to deal with this alarming situation. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in his message stressed the need to learn from one another's experiences and support efforts in combating the disease. He said the aim of Government in this regard, is to get more people involved in the fight against the disease that affects more than one million Pakistanis every year. The Prime Minister said the government has significantly enhanced the free malaria testing and treatment facilities in the malaria endemic districts acros s the country. He said we must work collaboratively to strengthen healthcare systems, increase access to quality diagnosis and treatment, and raise awareness about the importance of prevention and controlling measures of malaria. Source: Radio Pakistan

Foreign Minister Mohammed Ishaq Dar has termed Dr. Muhammad Iqbal as a beacon of enlightenment for the Muslims of South Asia. He participated as the chief guest in the 'Bayad-e-Iqbal' event organized by the Allama Iqbal Council at the Pakistan National Council of Arts in Islamabad. He praised Dr. Muhammad Iqbal as a literary figure and visionary thinker who served as a beacon of enlightenment for the Muslims of South Asia. The Foreign Minister lauded Iqbal's insight into the human condition, his unwavering commitment to social justice, his fervent advocacy for the empowerment of the individual, and his message of self-discovery that continue to inspire millions. Source: Radio Pakistan