Day: June 10, 2024

Chairman Technical Education and Vocation Training Authority (TEVTA) Brigadier Muhammad Sajid Khokhar has said the TEVTA has planned to upgrade its over six training Institutes to modern international training centers to ensure a brighter future for skilled workforce to meet global market demands. Talking to PTV news channel, he said that various countries including Korea, Japan and Gulf countries are being shortlist for this program, and the young trainees would be sent to these courses. Source: Radio Pakistan

The National Assembly was informed today that the government intends to privatize around 24 State Owned Entities in coming years. Responding to a question during Question Hour, Minister for Privatization Abdul Aleem Khan said these companies include Pakistan International Airlines, Roosevelt Hotel, First Women Bank, Utility Stores Corporation and various power distribution companies. Answering another question, Minister of State for Finance Ali Pervaiz Malik said all field enforcement units have been sensitized to check smuggling of iron and steel items. He said over 785, 028 kilograms of steel products have been seized during the current fiscal year. He said all consignments are weighed twice in order to detect mis-declaration or under-weighment. Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari has said provision of uninterrupted power supply is not possible without addressing the issue of line losses and electricity theft. Responding to points of order, he said Pakistan cannot afford a loss of 700 bi llion rupees in the power sector and we have to improve the performance of power distribution companies to control losses. The Minister said it is responsibility of all of us, irrespective of political affiliation, to play our due role to control power theft. He said the provincial governments will have to extend their cooperation in this respect. Responding to a Calling Attention moved by Shehla Raza and others, Minister for Water Resources Musadik Masood Malik said there is no shortage of water in the country and every province is getting its complete share of water as per decision of the Indus River System Authority. He further told the House that IRSA is fully empowered to take decisions regarding water distribution and every province has its representation in the authority. Regarding another question, the Minister said every province can divert water to link canals from its own share and not from the share of other provinces. The National Assembly passed 'The Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (A mendment) Bill, 2024', 'The Pakistan Postal Services Management Board (Amendment) Bill, 2024' and 'The National Highway Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2024.' The House will now meet on Wednesday at four pm. Source: Radio Pakistan

The funeral prayer of seven security personnel including Captain Faraz Ilyas who embraced martyrdom due to an improvised explosive device explosion on their vehicle in Lakki Marwat yesterday has been offered in Bannu. Corps Commander Peshawar, officers, jawans and a large number of people attended the funeral prayer. Later, bodies of the martyrs were sent to their native areas for burial with full military honors. ISPR says the security forces of Pakistan are committed to eradicate the scourge of terrorism and the sacrifices of brave martyrs reinforce the resolve. Source: Radio Pakistan

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has termed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's China visit as historic and highly successful saying it will have positive impact on the country's economy. Addressing a news conference in Islamabad on Monday, he expressed the confidence that there will be progress on the agreements and projects such as ML-1, Karachi Circular Railway, provision of IT training to two hundred thousand Pakistani youth by a Chinese tech company and the second phase of CPEC in the next few weeks. He said the upgraded version of CPEC will be mutually beneficial for the peoples of both the countries. The Information Minister said a new era has begun in Pakistan-China relationship. He said this everlasting and all weather friendship has stood the test of times. The Information Minister said security of the Chinese nationals is our priority. Attaullah Tarar said the economy is heading in the right direction with inflation and current account deficit coming down. He said our fore ign exchange reserves are now sufficient for two months of imports. The Information Minister said the country is also registering successes on the foreign front. Referring to the election of Pakistan on the non-permanent seat of UN Security Council with a big majority, he said this shows the trust of friendly countries on Pakistan. Source: Radio Pakistan

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have expressed resolve to continue fight against terrorism till its complete elimination. In their separate condolence messages over the martyrdom of seven security forces' personnel including Captain Muhammad Faraz Illyas in a terrorist attack in Lakki Marwat, they paid tribute to the law enforcement agencies for giving meritorious sacrifices and services. In his message, President condemned IED attack on security forces. He said the nation will not forget sacrifices of its brave sons and martyrs. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in his statement said the entire nation stands with the law enforcement agencies in the war against terrorism. He resolved to make terrorists accountable. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the IED blast near a security forces' vehicle in the Lakki Marwat, which resulted in the martyrdom of seven security personnel, including Captain Muhammad Faraz Ilyas. Mohsin Naqvi conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs. Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi and Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also strongly condemned the terrorist attack on security forces vehicle in Lakki Marwat. In their statements issued in Peshawar, they expressed deep grief and sorrow over the martyrdom of seven personnel includes Capt Faraz in the tragic incident. They expressed sympathies with the bereaved families and said that the sacrifices of security forces will never be go in vain. Source: Radio Pakistan

President Asif Ali Zardari has directed for immediate steps to establish medical college and hospital in Gilgit Baltistan. He was talking to Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam and Minister for Energy Musadik Malik who called on him in Islamabad today. The President also directed to pay compensation of 47 lakh rupees per person to 1500 affectees of Diamer Bhasha Dam. He said 'Sehat Sahulat Porgram' be made part of Benazir Income Support Program for provision of healthcare facilities to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. The President had a meeting with Governor Gilgit Baltistan and members of GB Council few days go in which he assured them of resolution of problems faced by GB. Source: Radio Pakistan