Pakistan Army with the cooperation of Mari Petroleum Company Limited have established RO water plants in Shiwa and Spinwam tehsils of North Waziristan to provide clean drinking water to the local population. These plants will provide six thousand gallons of clean water per day which will also help address the issue of water borne diseases. The local people have appreciated the establishment RO water plants. Source: Radio Pakistan
Rana Sanullah’s New Ministry Will Oversee Sports in Pakistan
In a significant cabinet reshuffle, Rana Sanaullah has been appointed as Pakistan's new Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), a role that includes oversight of the country's sports sector. The announcement comes as Ahsan Iqbal, the current Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives, is relieved from his additional duties as IPC minister. Previously, President Asif Ali Zardari had approved the appointment of Rana Sanaullah as the Adviser on Political and Public Affairs on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's advice. The IPC Ministry is crucial for fostering inter-provincial harmony and ensuring cohesive national policies in various sectors, including sports. Recently, Sanaullah was appointed as the head of the committee for social media legislation and the newly formed committee included federal ministers, including Azam Nazeer, Attaullah Tarar, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, and Shiza Fatima. As the new IPC minister, Sanaullah is expected to focus on revamping the sports infrastructure , promoting athletic talent across the provinces, and addressing the administrative challenges that have hindered the growth of sports in Pakistan. Ahsan Iqbal, who previously held the IPC portfolio in addition to his primary responsibilities, expressed his support for the new appointment. Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) also comes under the jurisdiction of the IPC ministry and it will be interesting to see how the newly appointed IPC minister works for the development of sports infrastructure in the country. Source: Pro Pakistani
PM attends commemoration ceremony to honor martyred Iranian President
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif attended the memorial ceremony in Tehran today, held in the honour of late President of Iran Seyed Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage who died in a helicopter crash accident. He paid rich tribute to Seyed Ebrahim Raisi for development and prosperity of the Iranian people, promotion of Pak-Iran relations and services to the region. Shehbaz Sharif expressed his condolences on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan to the Acting President of Iran Dr Muhammad Mokhber. He said the government and people of Pakistan are deeply shocked by the news of the martyrdom of President Seyed Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage in a tragic accident. The Prime Minister said the entire Pakistani nation stands with Iran in this hour of grief and our sympathies are with the families of the martyrs and the Iranian people. He said the late Iranian president was a great friend of Pakistan and moments he spent with the Pakistani people during his visit to Pakistan last month will always b e remembered. The Prime Minister expressed his best wishes for the Caretaker President of Iran Honorable Dr. Mohammad Mokhber. During the ceremony, the Prime Minister also visited the hall where mortal remains of the late Iranian President were kept. The Prime Minister prayed for high ranks of late Seyed Ebrahim Raisi. Source: Radio Pakistan
NADRA Launches Counter in Saudi Arabia
The Interior Ministry has initiated a measure to facilitate Pakistani citizens residing in Saudi Arabia by offering the renewal service for their National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) at the NADRA counter in the Pakistan embassy in Riyadh. This move aims to provide relief to overseas Pakistanis, offering them the convenience of renewing their NICOP without the need to travel back to Pakistan. The Pakistan embassy in Riyadh houses a fully operational NADRA office that caters to various NADRA services, including NICOP, CNIC, CRC, FRC, and Biometric Verification of Succession Certificate. For the convenience of Pakistani citizens, a NADRA mobile registration team will be available on May 24 and 25 (Friday and Saturday), with services operational from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, as per Saudi Arabia's local time. NICOP, which is issued to Pakistani citizens residing abroad and holding nationality in a country with a dual nationality arrangement with Pakistan, allows travel to Pakistan without requiri ng a visa. Any Pakistani citizen can apply for NICOP. Applicants visiting the embassy for passport renewal are required to bring their old cards and a copy of their passport. Previously, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) introduced an innovative 'All-in-One' digital identity kit, integrating advanced biometric authentication features into a single device. This achievement, led by experts from NADRA Technologies Limited (NTL) and NADRA Technology Research (NTR), marks a significant advancement in digital identity management. Source: Pro Pakistani
CCP Takes Notice of Dangerous Stunts in Adverts of Energy Drinks
The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has taken notice of extremely dangerous stunts performed in the TV Commercials (TVCs) of leading beverage manufacturers. These stunts promote soft and energy drinks without advising viewers not to attempt similar stunts independently on their own, as they have been performed by professional experts under proper safety arrangements and are fictional displays. The Commission has issued letters to various beverages firms to explain their position vis-à-vis showcasing physical stunts with bikes, cars and other extraordinary performances enabled by or for a few sips of the advertised drinks. While, screening of such stunts is not a violation of Pakistan's Competition Law, the absence of proper disclaimers advising viewers to avoid attempting such stunts amounts to withholding material information from their consumers, especially young adults. CCP has warned these companies of their potential violation of Section 10(2) (b) of the Competition Act, 2010. This section prohibits the dissemination of false or misleading information to consumers. The non-disclosure of material information or relevant disclaimers also amounts to deceptive marketing practices and constitutes a violation of this section. The Commission has explained that 'misleading information' refers to statements that can give a wrong impression, lead to errors in conduct, thought or judgment, misinform due to vagueness or omission, and may not necessarily be deliberate. It further clarified that 'false information' includes statements that are contrary to truth or fact, imply conscious wrongdoing or culpable negligence, have stricter and stronger connotations, and are not readily open to interpretation. The CCP has directed the companies to explain their non-compliance with the explicit provisions of Section 10 of the Competition Act, 2010, regarding the subject TV Commercials. The companies are required to furnish their explanations within seven days of the issuance of the Commission's letters. Source: Pro Pakistani
PM Shehbaz Orders to Elevate Status of Gems, Precious Stones Industry
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif demanded to give regular industry status to Pakistan's gems and precious stones sector and called for the immediate commencement of operations of the Pakistan Gems and Jewellery Development Company. Chairing a meeting at PM House on Wednesday, Shehbaz urged the development of Pakistan's gems and precious stones industry. He highlighted the untapped natural resources in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The premier emphasized the need for international certification of local precious stones and adequate representation in global exhibitions. PM also instructed the initiation of legislative processes to promote the industry and the commencement of training programs for value addition in the gemstone sector. He stressed the importance of consulting with the private sector and provinces for sector development and called for geological mapping in the resource-rich regions. The meeting also included detailed briefings on investment strategies and the need for mapping in key areas. Source: Pro Pakistani