Day: June 20, 2024

Pakistani climber Samar Khan has successfully scaled Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe, and descended the peak by snowboarding. Hailing from Dir, area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Samar Khan becomes the first Pakistani to reach the summit of Mount Elbrus, standing tall at 5,642 meters in Russia. With the support of the Frontier Corps North, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Samar Khan accomplished this remarkable feat and proudly hoisted the Pakistani flag on the summit. Samar Khan also holds the distinction of being the first female cyclist to ride through Kilimanjaro in Africa, the third largest non-polar glacier in the world. She also claimed first position in Redbull Homerun Snowboarding Race in 2021 and made Pakistan proud. Source: Radio Pakistan

Cabinet Committee on State-Owned Enterprises (CCoSOEs) has directed Cabinet Division to initiate the process for winding up of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation. The decision to this effect was taken during today's meeting of the CCoSOEs that was held in Islamabad with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in the chair. The committee also considered the summaries of the Ministry of Housing and Works relating to Pakistan Environmental Planning and Architectural Consultants and National Construction Limited. The committee approved the proposal for winding up of PEPAC. It also directed the authorities to complete the ongoing projects of the NCL and prepare the plan for winding up its operations. The committee further approved the proposals presented by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs regarding categorization of the Port Authorities including Port Qasim Authority, Karachi Port Trust, and Gawadar Port Authority as Essential. The Committee was informed that port operations were already outsourced in a n umber of cases and this policy will continue. The Committee directed Ministry of Maritime Affairs to ensure that the governance framework of Port Authorities is compliant with the SOE law. To this end, the Ministry will initiate amendments to their respective statutes. Source: Radio Pakistan

Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has provided an enabling environment for investment and business development in the country by working with utmost diligence and dedication over the last one year. The most important of the measures is the provision of facility for investors in the IT sector to repatriate up to fifty percent of their profits. According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan, IT exports have grown by sixty two percent. Similarly, the establishment of the Office of the Investment Ombudsman has provided a platform to investors to resolve their issues efficiently and invest with confidence. Appellate Tribunals have also been established in the privatization and telecom sectors so that investors can seek guidance on legal issues related to their investments. Since June last year, the SIFC has made many amendments at the policy level due to which the efficiency of the government system has greatly improved. Under the policy measures, the visa policy has been revised by rem oving unnecessary barriers, which has increased the confidence of foreign investors. National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority has been set up to provide high quality seeds to the farmers. A comprehensive aquaculture policy has been formulated to enable the export of seafood to other countries. This will ensure the processing of fish and other aquaculture products in accordance with international standards, which will benefit the industry. Source: Radio Pakistan

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah inaugurated Sindh Surveillance System under the safety city project and Police health card in Karachi this morning. Addressing the ceremony, Syed Murad Ali Shah said safe city project is aimed at ensuring protective measures without hindrances. The Chief Minister said that with the installation of the programme two programs of Automatic number plate Recognition and face identification programmed will work together to control crime and criminal activities. He said that a smart surveillance system could be helpful in arresting over eighty thousand absconding criminals in the province. Source: Radio Pakistan

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has expressed grief and sorrow over the death of the father of National Press Club President Azhar Jatoi. Expressing his heartfelt condolences with the bereaved family, the Information Minister prayed for the departed soul. Source: Radio Pakistan

Punjab Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz Sharif has extended heartfelt congratulations to public services on successful completion of waste disposal mission on Eid-ul-Azha across the province. In a statement today, she said that security arrangements on Eid occasion were also satisfactory. She appreciated the citizens' cooperation with government institutions in maintaining cleanliness. The Chief Minister emphasized that the process of beautifying and cleaning the cities must continue with the same passion and dedication. Source: Radio Pakistan