Day: May 11, 2024

Tragedy struck as a young Pakistani student, Anthony Shoukat, lost his life during a robbery attempt in Porto, Portugal. Hailing from Lahore, Anthony had gone to Portugal for a research project affiliated with the renowned Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital. The circumstances surrounding Anthony's untimely demise paint a picture of bravery and resilience. Reports suggest that he valiantly resisted the robbery attempt, displaying courage in the face of danger. However, tragically, his efforts to thwart the assailants ultimately led to his demise, leaving his family and loved ones shattered by the loss. As news of Anthony's passing reverberated through his community, his family issued a heartfelt plea to the authorities for assistance. They implored the government to expedite the repatriation of Anthony's remains and ensure that those responsible for his senseless death are swiftly brought to justice. The anguish and sorrow felt by Anthony's family underscore the profound impact of his loss on their lives. An thony's academic journey was marked by notable achievements, reflecting his dedication to scholarly pursuits. Having earned his master's degree in Sweden and completed his PhD in Germany, Anthony was recognized for his scholarly contributions and intellectual prowess. His passion for research and commitment to excellence endeared him to colleagues and peers alike. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by individuals living and working abroad, far from the familiarity and security of home. It underscores the importance of vigilance and caution, even in seemingly safe environments, and highlights the need for greater awareness of personal safety measures while traveling or residing in foreign countries. In a poignant parallel, Anthony's fate evokes memories of another recent loss suffered by the Pakistani diaspora. Fahimuddin, a Pakistani-German resident, was also tragically killed in a knife attack in Ulm, Germany, earlier this year. The parallels between these two incidents serv e as a somber reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by individuals living abroad and the importance of community support in times of crisis. Source: Pro Pakistani

Following the successful launch of Pakistan's first lunar satellite, iCUBE, another satellite is scheduled for release into space on May 30. The upcoming satellite, MM1, is a collaborative effort between SUPARCO and the National Space Agency and will contribute to the establishment of a cutting-edge communication system. Designed to address the increasing demands of the telecom sector, MM1 is poised to enhance 5G internet services in the country. Notably, Pakistan's maiden lunar mission, ICUBE Qamar, achieved a significant milestone by successfully entering the moon's orbit just three days ago. Operating under extreme conditions, with temperatures plummeting as low as minus 100 degrees Celsius, MM1 is equipped with a 7kg one-megapixel camera specifically tailored for missions with stringent power constraints. Its capacity to transmit images at a modest 1-kbps rate will facilitate surface-level analysis, providing crucial data on crater locations, water, and traces of ice on the moon's surface. These find ings, obtained through various techniques, hold immense promise for global utilization. Source: Pro Pakistani

Prime Minister's Coordinator on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Romina Khurshid Alam says Azerbaijan and Pakistan have agreed to launch joint climate change adaptation initiatives for building climate resilience. She was addressing a joint presser flanked by Minister for Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan, Mukhtar Babayev in Islamabad today. They also announced to launch joint climate transparency report at the upcoming 29th Session of global climate summit, The Prime Minister's Coordinator said the governments of Pakistan and Azerbaijan have discussed pertinent issues regarding National Adaptation Plan, Green Pakistan Programme, Living Indus Initiative, Loss and Damage Fund mobilization, Climate Finance, G-77 plus China and Global Climate Vulnerability Index. She said both the sides have discussed the contours of bilateral cooperation and engagement for COP forum scheduled to be held in Baku this year. On the occasion, Mukhtar Babayev said Azerbaijan's vision is clear to promote collective work and activities within the climate agenda. Source: Radio Pakistan

The relevant departments are continuing their operation against drug trafficking in order to rid the country of the scourge of drug addiction. According to statistics, the concerned agencies have so far seized 1028904 kilogram of drugs from across the country and arrested over thirteen hundred drug dealers. During the period between April 28 and May 5, 2799 kilogram of drugs was recovered from Balochistan, 20 kilogram from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, seventeen kilogram from Gilgit Baltistan, thirty seven kilogram from Punjab and two hundred and forty five kilogram drugs from Sindh. Source: Radio Pakistan

Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain has said Federal Government will continue procurement of wheat from farmers through PASSCO. Talking to media persons in Faisalabad today, he said the government is committed to provide relief to farmers. The Minister said the payment issue is being resolved and wheat procurement target will be enhanced if required. Rana Tanveer Hussain said that government will not compromise on farmers' economic issue and their economic loss will not be tolerated. He said that all necessary steps are being taken for the welfare of farmers. Rana Tanveer Hussain said incentives will be announced for the farmers in the next financial budget. He reiterated that the government is giving special attention to the agriculture sector. Source: Radio Pakistan

Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON, Engineer Amir Muqam has expressed the resolve to fast-track development projects in Gilgit-Baltistan, harness the region's mineral resources, and prioritize its progress. Addressing a news conference alongside former Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan Hafiz Hafeez-ur-Rehman, and MNA from Kohistan Muhammad Idrees in Gilgit today, he expressed appreciation for the warm reception in Gilgit-Baltistan. He pledged to increase the capacity of the Hanzel Hydropower Project to 40 MW as a significant step towards the region's progress. The Minister said that the government has solved the issue of provision of wheat to Gilgit-Baltistan and funds will also be allocated to provide a subsidy on wheat for the next year. Underlining the tourism prospects of Gilgit-Baltistan, he emphasized its status as a prime tourist destination. He said directives have been issued to the Chief Secretary and other officials to expedite ongoing development projects. Expressing concern over frequent flight cancellations causing inconvenience to the populace, Engineer Amir Muqam announced plans to request Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the deployment of C-130 aircraft. He said initiatives are in progress to secure constitutional rights for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan, including the appointment of judges to the Supreme Appellate Tribunals.He said that traders involved in Pakistan-China trade will receive support and have their concerns addressed. The Federal Minister commended the people of Gilgit-Baltistan for not participating in the conspiracy to disrespect the martyrs on May 9, 2023, stating that such abhorrent acts could not be committed by true patriots. He emphasized the nation's admiration for its armed forces and assured that those responsible for the events of May 9 would be brought to justice. Earlier, Engineer Amir Muqam, in a meeting with Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan Gulbar Khan, agreed on the importance of improving coordination between the Gilgit -Baltistan government and the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan. In their meeting, they extensively deliberated on the security status in Gilgit-Baltistan, budgetary concerns, ongoing development initiatives, and the provision of wheat to the region. The Federal Minister stated his intention to engage with pertinent authorities to address the economic challenges facing the region. A luncheon was also organized in honor of Engineer Amir Muqam, during which Provincial Ministers also met with the Federal Minister. Chief Secretary Gilgit Baltistan, Additional Chief Secretary and Inspector General Police also briefed the federal Minister regarding various development projects. Source: Radio Pakistan