ISLAMABAD, Mar 14 (DNA): Islamabad Traffic police have adopted modern
technology to provide best services to the citizens.

According to details, following the direction of IG Islamabad Qazi
Jameel-ur-Rehman, SSP Traffic Farrukh Rashid has introduced modern
technological services such as issuance of online appointment system,
SMS alert and smart driving license for the convenience of citizens.

Meanwhile, the use of speed-checking cameras has significantly reduced
traffic accidents.

Moreover, to ensure compliance with traffic rules a special campaign
namely “SAFER ROADS” (safe roads) was launched which was aimed to have a
check on violation such as tinted glass papers, un-authorized number
plates, high beams and certain other violations.

Similarly, along with road safety awareness, free helmets, side mirrors,
back lights and indicators were distributed among motorcyclists. These
steps of Islamabad Traffic Police are being highly appreciated in public
circles.

In response to the campaign launched by the ITP for the prevention of
accidents a total of 73,609 challans were issued for violating various
traffic rules and a fine of Rs. 20 million was collected.

Violation of Illegal lights 566, motorcycle without helmet 8816, lane
violation 2590, Not wearing seat belt 3150, use of mobile phone while
driving 1831, illegal parking 737, fancy number plates 3136 and other
traffic rules violation 48596 were challaned.
With the cooperation of Honda Atlas a campaign was launched regarding
issuance of free helmets, side mirrors, indicators and backlights for
motorcyclists.

During the campaign, the traffic police imparted awareness among
motorcyclists about the use of helmets, side mirrors, indicators and
back lights while Honda Atlas installed free side mirrors, indicators,
backlights to about 5,000 motorcycles along with issuance of 400 free
helmets.

IG Islamabad said that along with the focus on enforcement of law and
order situation and curbing crimes, practical steps are being taken to
ensure safe and secure life to honorable citizens.

Police play the role of friend and facilitator in the society, IG said
and urged the Police officers to help and protect the rights of the
people. DNA

=======

QUETTA, Mar 14 (DNA): Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on
Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam has said the government was taking steps
to promote tourism and forest sectors while Balochistan was the best
region for conservation of natural beauty.

Talking to media at Quetta Press Club, he said target of planting 10
billion trees in the country was being achieved through public-private
partnership.

On the occasion, Forest Secretary Siddique Mandukhel, PTI Information
Secretary Muhammad Asif Tareen and Amjad, head of Taraqee Foundation
were also present.

Malik Amin Aslam said Pakistan was among the top 10 most affected
countries due to climate change and famine due to declining rainfall,
adding that rising temperatures have adversely affected Balochistan and
tree plantation required to mitigate these effects.

He said a plan had been launched to gain the target of planting 100
million saplings in Balochistan and its coastal areas and in the
vicinity of Quetta which would help promote forest sector. He further
said efforts were underway to expand Chilghoza forest in the monsoon
areas of Balochistan.

Tree plantation was being done on the sides of 70 dams in Balochistan
and six cities were included in the Clean Green project in Balochistan,
he added.

The SAPM said waste water treatment plant would be operational soon,
adding that the tourism sector was being promoted under the Prime
Minister’s vision.

The provincial government and Taraqee Foundation were helping to ensure
a better environment for masses, he said. The 10 billion tree planting
campaign was being implemented through the public-private sector, he
said.

He said the government would work with the private sector to increase
the salaries of guards in national parks.

Hazarganji Park in the outskirts of Quetta was included in Model Plan,
he sadid adding, the Federal government would create two new national
parks including Harboi and Koh-i-Sulaiman National Parks area of
Balochistan, he concluded. DNA

=======

ISLAMABAD, Mar 14 (DNA): The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) on
Sunday proposed an increase of Rs5.50 per litre in petrol prices from
March 16.

According to the sources, the OGRA recommended an increase of Rs5.75 per
litre prices of high-speed diesel (HSD). The regulator has forwarded its
summary regarding new rates of petroleum products to the ministry.

Sources prior to the matter said that OGRA has prepared its summary on
the basis of the existing levy.  Currently, the levy on petrol is
Rs12.65 per litre and Rs12.53 per litre on diesel.

The Finance Ministry would give its opinion on the taxes being collected
on the sale of petroleum products.

The final decision on increase in the prices of petroleum products will
be taken after prime minister’s approval.

Earlier on February 28, prices of petroleum products would not see any
increase at least for a fortnight as Prime Minister Imran Khan had
rejected the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority’s (OGRA) proposal to jack
up fuel rates from March 1.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Communication Dr
Shahbaz Gill had tweeted that the OGRA recommended an increase in prices
of petroleum products by up to Rs7 but the prime minister didn’t accept
the proposal.

He had said Prime Minister Khan didn’t grant permission for hiking fuel
prices despite international oil rates going up consistently.

Presently the prices of petroleum products are: Petrol, Rs111.90 per
litre; High-speed diesel, Rs116.07 per litre; Kerosene oil, Rs80.19 per
litre; and Light diesel, Rs79.23 per litre. DNA

=======

ISLAMABAD, Mar 14 : A dense crowed of snow lovers from various parts of the country thronged Kumrat and upper Dir valley on weekend to catch glimpse of white powdery snow capped hill station that are giving mesmerizing sights and famous for its scenic beauty.

Due to weekend hordes of tourists in Kumrat valley were seen enjoying the snowfall and spending happy moments with their families and friends.

According to locals in Kumrat, tourists were seen taking selfies and photos along roadsides which caused hindrance in the smooth flow of traffic.

They added that with the light rain and snow a great crowd was observed at hotels, restaurants and stalls of Pakoras, fries and coffee/tea, where people were enjoying hot food and hot drinks to keep themselves warm.

A visitor talking to private channel said Kumrat is a beautiful valley in Pakistan and it is one of the scenic valleys of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and a picturesque spot for visitors from all over the Pakistan and the rest of the world.

Another visitor said he could not express the beauty of the snow-covered Kumrat valley in words, adding, they are enjoying themselves by throwing snow balls on each other.

An official of PTDC said that we are trying our best to facilitate tourists in hilly areas, adding, visitors should not be allowed to visit these areas without violating Covid-19 SOPs.

ISLAMABAD, Mar 14 : Pakistan Bait-UL-Mal Managing Director Aon Abbas Sunday said that Prime Minister Imran Khan had launched the “largest ever needs-based” Ehsaas Mobile Langar project which is providing more than 1,000 free meals to the poor in twin cities.

He said Zero hunger initiative and universal health coverage for all citizens were the two public welfare projects that PM Imran Khan announced as his New Year’s resolutions, adding,  Prime Minister Imran Khan was persistently working to make Pakistan a true welfare state following the vision of Father of the Nation, Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

He said PBM mobile trucks or vans carry food on daily basis visiting localities of the poor and laborers to ensure that the free meals reach the deserving on the directives of PM Imran Khan.

He said government initially started this program for Rawalpindi and Islamabad, which would help the government learn about the issues and problems, and will improve it before its extension to other cities.

He said philanthropists in the country can also participate in program, adding, they can sign a contract with Bait Ul Mall and this pilot project in the twin cities would help us for winning the trust of donors towards its extension across Pakistan.

He said program was aimed at providing two times hygienically packed food lunch and dinner to the needy individuals through real-time mobile kitchens in urban and rural areas of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, adding, Langar project’ would set new examples for other nations.

He also explained that at present two Ehsaas food trucks were serving free quality cooked food at various points across the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, including hospitals, bus stations and other public places with utmost dignity.

The meals were cooked, stored and distributed from the truck kitchen and around 500 uncooked food material were also put inside the mobile kitchen which can be cooked further in emergency need, he added.

He said government own-self serving the poor within its resources but if donors are interested they can donate.

Islamabad : President Dr Arif Alvi has said that Pakistan is getting stronger economically and called for effectively projecting the “Brand Pakistan” to expedite rebuilding its contacts with the world.

Addressing 3rd Financial Crime Summit in Karachi, he emphasized the need to restore the country’s perception as a vibrant and moderate society on solid lines.

The President said Pakistan’s impression is tarnished by the enemies and we have to restore it through concerted and collective efforts.

He said Pakistan is moving forward on the basis of steady improvement in its economy and social indicators.

About the steps being taken by the government to address the issue of financial crime and its challenges, Dr Arif Alvi said no country can afford to buckle down before the menace and it requires strong institutions equally secured for the benefit of its people.