ISLAMABAD, MAY 9 /DNA/ – Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) has started providing up to 30 days of free storage for import and export cargos docked on Gwadar Port on May 8.

Free storage facilities are also being offered in cargo sheds, storage container yards, and repair sheds managed by the Gwadar Port Authority in order to facilitate investors as much as possible.

This was revealed by GPA chairman Noor-ul-Haq Baloch in a meeting with members of the all Pakistan Shipping Association in Karachi, where he gave a detailed briefing on the situation arising after recent regional tensions, the strategic importance of Gwadar Port, and matters related to transit and transshipment trade on May 8.

He divulged that all these facilities are connected through a modern six-lane expressway linking the port and free zone with the Coastal Highway.

He said that due to the tense situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Gwadar could serve as a safe and alternative trade route in the event of any possible war or sanctions.

According to him, access from Gwadar to eastern regions of Iran and Central Asia is several hundred kilometers shorter compared to other cities of Pakistan, significantly reducing logistics costs and transit time.

During the meeting, Chairman Noor-ul-Haq Baloch stated that Gwadar Port is set to become the future hub of regional trade and logistics, and its importance in the region is increasing day by day.

He said that Gwadar Port’s approach channel is the shortest among the country’s ports, measuring approximately four and a half kilometers in length.

Chairman Noor-ul-Haq Baloch further stated that a route exists from Gwadar to Zahedan and onward to Central Asia.

He recalled that in 2015, the first convoy of containers arriving from China was successfully transported to Gwadar Port through the route, proving that Gwadar possesses the full potential to connect the region with China and Central Asia.

He stated that industrialists and investors in the Gwadar Free Zone enjoy tax exemptions and other special incentives, where machinery and equipment can be imported duty-free.

Participants of meeting appreciated the efforts of Chairman Gwadar Port and expressed keen interest in the available facilities, particularly regarding Iran transit trade.

On this occasion, the Gabd-Rimdan 250 border route was described as an effective multimodal facility for cargo transportation to Iran and Central Asia.

GPA Chairman urged shipping companies and traders to turn towards Gwadar Port. He also revealed that a trade delegation from Iran is expected to visit Gwadar soon.

The Chairman said that due to its lowest tariffs, modern facilities, and strategic location, Gwadar Port has immense potential to become a major trade corridor for Pakistan’s economy.

Besides APSA members, former President of the Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Faisal Dashti, and the Director Customs Transit Trade also attended the meeting.

Faisal Dashti briefed participants on regional trade activities, including those related to Gwadar, while the Director Customs Transit Trade provided information regarding customs-related matters.=DNA

ISLAMABAD, MAY 9 /DNA/ – University of Gwadar’s Department of Computer Science approved the establishment of a dedicated artificial intelligence research and development laboratory and launched a 10-month AI training program during the sixth meeting of its Board of Studies (BoS).

The meeting was held at the Pak-China Technical and Vocational Institute under the chairmanship of Hafeezullah, chairperson of the Department of Computer Science at the University of Gwadar, according to a Gwadar Pro’s report.

Participants included Mohibullah, dean of the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology; Rabia Aslam, director of the Quality Enhancement Cell at the University of Gwadar; Rashid, lecturer at the University of Turbat; Syed Ahmed Khan, lecturer at the National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (FAST-NUCES Karachi); Shayhaq Ali, lecturer at the University of Gwadar; and Haim Gul Munir, lecturer at the University of Gwadar.

The board reviewed and approved 10 agenda items related to academic and technological development.

With prior approval from the university’s vice chancellor, the board endorsed the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence and Data Innovation Lab (AIDIL), aimed at promoting AI research and innovation at the university.

The board also approved the launch of the Gwadar AI Literacy Initiative (GAIL), a 10-month training program designed to enhance AI skills and digital literacy among students and local youth.

Other approved agenda items included updated course catalogs and laboratory manuals for undergraduate computing programs, revised guidelines for theory and laboratory evaluations, and new Final Year Project (FYP) guidelines and handbook.

Speaking at the conclusion of the meeting, Hafeezullah thanked board members for their contributions and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to advancing academic excellence and technological innovation in Gwadar.=DNA

ISLAMABAD, MAY 9 (DNA): The 2026 “Culture China · Water Cube Cup” Chinese Song Contest concluded its Pakistan leg final in the federal capital, marking the debut of the long-running global cultural event in the country.

The competition served as a musical and cultural bridge, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in the charms of Chinese-language music, according to Gwadar Pro.

Since the opening of registrations in February, the event drew over 220 applicants from across Pakistan, from which 32 contestants advanced to the final round.

The finalists included 10 in the junior group and 22 in the youth group. Each contestant showcased their unique vocal styles, demonstrated their proficiency in the Chinese language and expressed their heartfelt passion for Chinese culture through their performances.

The judging panel for the competition was composed of local Pakistani music professionals, Chinese language education experts, seasoned overseas Chinese community leaders and representatives of the cultural sector.

The final results awarded gold, silver and bronze medals to six outstanding competitors. Additionally, one contestant received the Chinese New Star Award, and three others were honored with the Cultural Exchange Ambassador Award.

A public welfare donation ceremony was also held at the event. Fujian Qixie Construction Development Co., Ltd. donated a special education fund of 1,000,000 Pakistani rupees to the China-Pakistan Youth Exchange Community to promote cultural and educational exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and Pakistani youth.

Bringing together nearly 500 guests, the event was attended by representatives from the Chinese Embassy, political figures based in Pakistan, media representatives, faculty and students from multiple Confucius Institutes and Confucius Classrooms, as well as heads of Chinese-funded enterprises.

Since its inception in 2011, the competition has grown into a premier global cultural event, attracting tens of thousands of participants worldwide.

Sponsored by the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council and the Beijing municipal government, the competition has long served as a platform to connect Chinese communities and Chinese language learners around the world through the power of song.=DNA

ISLAMABAD, MAY 9 /DNA/ – Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner of Islamabad, Sohail Ashraf, met with Marc Antoine, Country Director of French Development Agency (AFD), and his delegation at the CDA Headquarters. The meeting was attended by CDA Member Planning and Design, Muhammad Umair, DG Islamabad Water and relevant senior officers.

During the meeting, reforms and various projects in the water sector were discussed with the AFD delegation. The primary objective of the meeting was to explore avenues for technical assistance in projects aimed at improving water quality in Islamabad.

Chairman CDA Sohail Ashraf said that special attention is being given to adopting modern and sustainable solutions to ensure the uninterrupted supply of clean and safe water to the citizens of Islamabad. He added that these measures include steps to prevent water wastage, eliminate line losses, and promote water usage and conservation.

The meeting also reviewed the project for the upgrade and rehabilitation of the Simly Water Filtration Plant. Work will be carried out on a main conduction pipeline from Simly Dam to address water shortages and meet the growing demands in Islamabad.

Discussions were also held regarding expanding the water storage capacity of Simly Dam. In this regard, AFD will consider providing full technical assistance.

The meeting also discussed the progress made on the construction projects of Shahdara and Dotara Dams. The completion of these initiatives will enable an uninterrupted water supply and meet the needs of Islamabad City.

AFD delegation said that the agency is working to provide technical cooperation for the supply of clean water and to address water scarcity in the Federal Capital, Islamabad. In this context, a comprehensive feasibility study will be conducted to evaluate the technical and financial aspects of various water projects in Islamabad.

Chairman CDA Sohail Ashraf reiterated that addressing water scarcity and ensuring the provision of safe, quality water to the citizens of Islamabad remains their top priority.=DNA

DHAKA, MAY 9 /DNA/ – Federal Interior and Narcotics Control Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed in Dhaka. During the meeting, both Interior Ministers agreed to establish a Secretary-Level Joint Working Group between the two Ministries of Interior.
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‎On this occasion, a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Pakistan and Bangladesh to strengthen cooperation in combating drug trafficking, drug abuse, and narcotics control. Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of Pakistan, while Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed signed on behalf of the Government of Bangladesh.
‎Under the MoU, both countries will cooperate extensively to prevent the illegal transportation and smuggling of narcotics. Joint efforts will be undertaken to eliminate the growing trend of drug abuse in society and its harmful effects. A coordinated strategy will also be developed to dismantle illegal drug supply chains and trafficking networks.
‎Relevant agencies of both countries will exchange timely intelligence regarding drug traffickers and criminal networks. Cooperation will also include training of personnel, use of modern technology, and sharing of best practices for narcotics prevention and enforcement.
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‎Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi offered full cooperation to Bangladesh in the Safe City Project and stated that Pakistan would support the Government of Bangladesh in every possible way regarding the initiative.
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‎During the meeting, both sides agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in the areas of internal security and training of civil armed forces. Discussions were also held on strengthening collaboration in counterterrorism efforts and preventing human trafficking.
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‎The two Interior Ministers exchanged views on joint counterterrorism measures. They also discussed increasing cooperation to combat cybercrime, organized crime, and financial fraud, as well as collaboration in police academy training programs for officers.
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‎Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi extended an invitation to the Bangladeshi Home Minister to visit Pakistan. The Bangladeshi Home Minister thanked Mohsin Naqvi for offering cooperation in the Safe City Project.
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 Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, Cabinet Secretary Nasim-ul-Ghani, Home Secretary Manzoor Choudhury, and Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider were also present on the occasion.