Profit PM REVIEWS LEGAL ASPECTS, FINAL STAGES OF PWD CLOSURE In partnership with
Monday, 26 August, 2024 I | 20 Safar, 1446
DIRECTS PLAN FOR TRANSFER OF ONGOING PROJECTS UNDER PWD TO PROVINCES AND DEPARTMENTS SHOULD BE PRESENTED SOON
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 57 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
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ISLAMABAD
SETS A ONE-MONTH DEADLINE FOR GOVERNMENT OFFICES TO SWITCH TO A PAPERLESS SYSTEM
STAFF REPORT
RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting held here on Sunday to review the legal aspects and final procedures regarding the closing down of the Public Works Department (PWD). Speaking on the occasion, the prime minister directed that the financial package for employees laid off due to the dissolution will not apply to those who have been proven guilty of serious corruption charges. Premier Shehbaz Sharif also instructed that the final plan for transferring ongoing projects under PWD to provinces and relevant departments should be presented soon. All final recommendations regarding the closure of PWD should be presented to the cabinet, he directed. PM Shehbaz Sharif also ordered the implementation of the age relaxation proposal to re-employ hardworking and honest individuals with short period of employment in PWD. The meeting was attended by Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for Economic Affairs Division Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Housing and Works Riaz Hussain Pirzada and high officials of the relevant departments. Implementation of e-office system in government offices Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday assigned the Ministry for Information Technology and other relevant departments with implementing the e-office system in all government offices.
Directing to ensure paperless office work within a month, the prime minister
warned that delay in the implementation of e-office in government offices would
PM congratulates UAE President on posting impressive foreign trade growth ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday extended his heartfelt congratulations to the President of United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed, on posting 11% increase in foreign trade to the tune of 1.39 trillion dirhams ($397 billion) during the first half of 2024. “This figure represents an impressive increase in the UAE’s non-oil exports and foreign trade,” the prime minister wrote on his official X handle. He said the UAE’s focus on foreign trade as part of its
overall economic strategy had been instrumental in driving industrial growth, boosting competitiveness and fostering innovation. “Over the years, the UAE has emerged as a reliable global trade partner and facilitator under the able leadership of President Mohamed bin Zayed. It also reflects an increased international confidence in the UAE economy’s resilience and massive potential for growth,” the prime minister added. The credit for this impressive economic performance goes to the dynamic leadership of President Mohamed bin Zayed. It is a great step forward towards realizing his vision of turning UAE into a global trade hub, he added.
25 dead, one injured as mini-bus plunges into ditch in Rawalakot ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
At least 25 passengers lost their lives and one was injured on Sunday when a Rawalpindi-bound coaster, coming from Kahuta, plunged into a ditch after developing some fault, according to a rescue official and the Rawalakot Commissioner. According to the Rawalakot Commissioner, the coaster with 26 passengers aboard, was on the way from Rawalakot to Rawalpindi when it met the tragedy after developing some fault. The commissioner stated that the rescue operation was completed and the bodies and injured were transferred to THQ Hospital Kahuta. However, he did not elaborate on the reason behind the incident. “Brake failure caused the accident,” claimed by Usman Gujjar, an official from Rescue 1122 Punjab. He said that the coaster was carrying 26 passengers at the time of the accident, adding that the bodies and injured were transported to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Kahuta. “The victims, included: 15 men, six women, and one child,” Gujjar informed, adding the accident took place on the Girari Bridge along Kahuta’s Azad Pattan Road. Contradicting the rescue official’s account, the interior ministry reported that the death toll had risen to 29. Condolences have poured in from various quarters, including President Asif Ali Zardari expressed “deep grief over the loss of precious lives” in the tragedy, extending his sympathies to the bereaved families via a message shared by his party on
the X platform. He also stressed the importance of “accelerating relief efforts.” Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi issued a statement expressing his “heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the families of the deceased in both accidents.” Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of lives in the accident, according to Radio Pakistan. In a statement, he prayed “for the high ranks of the departed souls and patience for their families”. The premier also directed “authorities to provide immediate medical aid to the injured”. Speaker
National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also regretted the accident. “I express my heartfelt condolences and solidarity with the families of those who died in the accident,” Ayaz Sadiq said on X. “The authorities should ensure the provision of immediate medical aid to the injured persons in the accident”. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also conveyed her sorrow over the incident, stating on X that she was “deeply saddened” by the loss of lives. She prayed for the deceased, saying, “May Allah exalt the ranks of those who died in this tragedy and grant patience to their loved ones.”
LASBELA
At least 12 Zaireen killed and 30 others injured when a bus carrying pilgrims from Iran crashed on Makran Coastal Highway in Lasbela, the police said on Sunday. According to police, the accident occurred near Buzi Top on the highway. The bus, carrying pilgrims returning from Iran, is believed to have veered off the road and plunged into a ravine due to brake failure caused by speeding. The police confirmed that the bus was coming back from Iran to Punjab. The injured and deceased have been transported to nearby hospitals. The police officials stated that
the pilgrims were from Lahore and Gujranwala in Punjab. Rescue operations are underway, involving police, Levies, and other agencies. Initial reports said that the incident occurred due to brake failure. A rescue operation is underway to provide medical assistance to the victims of the accident. This incident comes just days after another bus carrying Pakistani pilgrims crashed in Iran, killing 28 and injuring 15. The bodies of those killed in that accident were repatriated to Pakistan two days ago via a special flight. Meanwhile, CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz expressed deep sorrow and grief over the death of pilgrims due to falling down of a bus into a ditch near Lasbela.
and embassies of the member states. The SCO summit is expected to bring together leaders from member countries to discuss various regional and international issues, with the potential to pave the way for renewed dialogue and cooperation. Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch already announced on July 4, 2024, that Pakistan will invite Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the SCO Summit, which Islamabad will host in October this year. Speaking at her weekly news briefing in Islamabad, the foreign office spokesperson said that Pakistan
would host the SCO Heads of State summit in October. When asked whether the Indian prime minister will be extended an invitation, the FO spokesperson said that as the rotation chair of the SCO, Pakistan would invite leaders of all member states. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is an Eurasian political, economic, international security, and defence organisation established by China and Russia in 2001. It is the world’s largest regional organisation in terms of geographic scope and population, covering approximately 80% of the area of Eurasia and 40% of the world’s population.
12 dead as bus carrying Zaireen from Iran overturns in Lasbela STAFF REPORT
Pakistan invites Indian PM Modi to SCO summit in October ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan officially extended an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday to attend the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit scheduled to be held in October. According to diplomatic sources, the invitation was sent as part of the preparations for the SCO meeting, where the heads of state from member countries have been invited. The Foreign Office have dispatched formal invitation letters to the respective high commissions
not be tolerated. “There should be no file work without e-office in the government offices from next month,” the prime minister said, adding that implementation of e-office to speed up transparency in the system was the top priority of the government. He further directed that all the officers in the government offices should ensure file work through e-offices. On the direction of the prime minister, the staff of the PM Office has already completed the e-office training. Last week the prime minister also received the files through e-office system. PM Shehbaz said the e-office was an important step towards improving governance and promoting digitization in the country. He also directed to present a report on the progress of launching e-office in next two weeks.
Cop martyred, another injured in Kurram checkpost attack ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
A policeman was martyred and another sustained gunshot wounds in an attack on a police checkpost in Kurram, District Police Officer Ahmed Khan confirmed on Sunday. The district police officer said that the assailants not only engaged in gunfire but also set the checkpost ablaze. The martyred policeman has been identified as Qoowat Khan, while constable Shahzad sustained injuries. He was shifted to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Sadda. The officer said that a heavy contingent was sent to area following the attack. He also reiterated the police resolve to eliminate terrorism from the area. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the terrorist attack on a police checkpost in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) Kurram area, which resulted in the martyrdom of a policeman while another was injured. PM Shehbaz, in his message, extended his tribute to the police officer who lost his life and urged for exemplary punishment for the perpetrators. He emphasised the nation's respect for the sacrifices made by police officers and instructed relevant authorities to provide the best medical care to the injured. The PM also called for a thorough investigation to ensure those responsible are brought to justice. President Zardari echoed these sentiments, expressed profound grief over the loss of police personnel and offered his condolences to the family of the fallen officer. He prayed for the martyred officer and for the swift recovery of those injured in the attack. The fresh attack marks the continuation of terror incidence, especially in KP and Balochistan in recent months. Earlier this month, security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Kurram district, killing seven terrorists and injuring five others in an effort to curb terrorism. Terror bid foiled, explosives material defused In Bajaur, the police foiled major terror bid by recovering explosives material from different localities which was defused later. According to the Bajaur Police, during search and strike operations in various areas of the district huge quantity of explosives material of different types was recovered. On directives of District Police Officer (DPO) Waqas Rafique, the explosives material was defused by the experts of the bomb disposal squad.