ISLAMABAD, AUG 14 /DNA/ – MTZ Plant signed a strategic cooperation agreement and commercial contracts with Pakistani companies during a visit to Islamabad and Lahore.

General Director of MTZ Vitaly Vovk signed an agreement on strategic cooperation with Pakistani companies «Shahzad Trade Link» and «HBL Zarai Services».

Pakistan is a long-standing partner. In this region MTZ supplies mainly «BELARUS» tractors with the capacity of 50-80 horsepower. The new strategy of the Belarusian company in the Pakistani market is aimed at promoting machinery with a power of over 100 horsepower. We managed to reach agreements not only on the organization of promotion and sales of our machines, but also their maintenance.

MTZ is working out the possibilities of creating sites for demonstration of tractors and mobile service of agricultural machinery in different provinces of Pakistan through the existing dealer network with the involvement of new companies.

MTZ signed an additional agreement with the owner of Shahzad Trade Link, Mr. Shahzad Riaz, for the supply of tractors worth $25 million and spare parts worth $1.4 million from August to December.

In Lahore, MTZ participated in «International Food Hospitality & Beverage Industry Exhibition» and Conference. Within the framework of the exhibition MTZ General Director VitaliyVovk signed a commercial agreement with the owner of «Fecto Belarus Tractors (Private) Limited» Raza Fecto.

LONDON, AUG 14: /DNA/ – Pakistan High Commission, London celebrated 78th Independence Day with traditional zeal and enthusiasm today. High Commissioner of Pakistan to UK, Dr. Mohammad Faisal hoisted Pakistan flag to the tune of National Anthem. The special ceremony commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, and reading out of messages of the President, the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister.

In his address on the occasion, High Commissioner Dr. Mohammad Faisal paid homage to the founding fathers who fought and sacrificed for a homeland, where the Muslims of the Sub-continent could live with dignity and pride. He paid tributes to Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah for his selfless struggle for Pakistan and reaffirmed resolve to realizing Allama Iqbal’s vision for a strong and prosperous Pakistan.

While paying tributes to martyrs, the High Commissioner said that we owe our Shuhuda and Ghazis a debt that can never be repaid. The Ambassador reaffirmed Pakistan’s support at all fora for the Kashmiri and Palestinian brethren who are striving for their right to self-determination.

The High Commissioner acknowledged the hard work, dedication & passion of British Pakistanis who are playing an important role in bridging Pakistan and the UK.

Dr. Mohammad Faisal said that the story of Pakistan is still being written by the brave men and women who defend Pakistan’s sovereignty on all fronts. He pledged to continue working together, in unity and harmony, to build the prosperous, strong and peaceful Pakistan that our founders envisioned.

During the ceremony, the High Commissioner, on behalf of the President of Pakistan, conferred civil awards to Mr. Asif Rangoonwala (Business / Social Work), Dr. Javaid Ahmed Sheikh (Philanthropy), Prof. Mohammad Amjad Shad (Neurosurgery) and Mr. Khalid Mehmood MP (Politics / Services to Pakistan). Special tribute was also paid to the Pakistani brave young man, Abdullah, who heroically tackled an attacker at Leicester Square in London and saved lives of a mother and a child from stabbing attack. Accolades were cited for Pakistan’s first Javelin Olympic Gold medallist Arshad Nadeem.

Later, the High Commissioner, along with his spouse and guests performed cake cutting to celebrate 78th Independence Day of Pakistan.

The event was attended by UK parliamentarians, diplomats, members of the Pakistani community, media personnel, and the officials of Pakistan High Commission with families.

ISLAMABAD, AUG 14 (DNA) – On the occasion of the 77th Independence Day, PODA, supported by its Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change Education Program and its extensive network of women leaders across the country, celebrated with an impactful plantation drive. In the series of event students, families, and youth participated enthusiastically in various cities.

Prior to the Independence Day, PODA organized activities at its Islamabad office and at the PODA Climate Smart Sustainable Agriculture Farm in Chakwal. Here, volunteers and students learned to prepare seedballs of jamun, moringa, peach, and various vegetables for the transplantation drive.

A key plantation event was held at Family Park in G-10/1, where many families joined in the tree-planting efforts. Officials from the Ministry of Climate Change attended the event and spoke to children about the importance of tree planting and seed preservation. They also planted a neem tree in the park as a memorable gesture and expressed appreciation for PODA’s efforts in climate change education.

PODA CEO Sameena Nazir emphasized the importance of practical plantation education in schools, highlighting the need for children to understand the critical role of trees in protecting our environment amidst current climate risks. “Such activities are crucial for climate education and for fostering a greener, more sustainable future,” she added.

From planting neem trees to preparing seedballs, we’re proud to empower the next generation in the fight against climate change. #IndependenceDay

“From preparing seedballs to planting neem, PODA is proud to empower the next generation in the fight against climate change,” said Dr. Fozia who is incharge of the Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change Education Program of PODA.

ISLAMABAD, AUG 14 /DNA/ – The Directorate General of Special Education (DGSE) hosted a lively and inspiring function on the eve of Pakistan’s 77th Independence Day, showcasing the talents and patriotism of students from various special education centers. The event, held with great enthusiasm, was graced by the presence of Syed JunaidAkhlaq, Senior Joint Secretary for the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, who served as the chief guest.

The program featured a variety of performances, including passionate speeches on independence, beautifully choreographed tableaus, and spirited renditions of national songs. The enthusiasm and energy of the students brought a festive atmosphere to the celebration, reflecting their deep love for the country.

Ms. Fehmida Hassan, Country Director of Christian Blind Mission (CBM), and Sheikh AzharSajjad, Director General of DGSE, were among the distinguished guests in attendance. They, along with the chief guest, distributed school uniforms to the differently-abled students, further highlighting the importance of inclusivity and support for these children.

In his remarks, Syed JunaidAkhlaq commended the students for their outstanding performances and honored them as the true chief guests of the ceremony. He remarked, “This country is a gift and blessing from Allah. Our beloved country has faced challenges since its inception, which can only be overcome by adopting the principles given by Quaid-e-AzamMuhammad Ali Jinnah: unity, faith, and strength.” He emphasized that by adhering to these principles in daily life, Pakistan can overcome poverty, unemployment, and terrorism. He also stated that the spirit of patriotism and love for the country is just as strong among differently-abled persons as it is among others, and they have an equal role in the prosperity and progress of the nation. He called for continued support and encouragement for these students, recognizing their potential to contribute meaningfully to society.

Sheikh AzharSajjad, Director General of DGSE, expressed his gratitude to all participants and attendees in his welcoming address. He lauded the performances of the children, acknowledging their hard work and dedication, and extended his appreciation to the audience for their presence and support. He noted, “Today is a significant day as independence is a crucial milestone in the history of nations. We must thank Allah for blessing us with an independent country to live in.” He further urged that “our life and death should be for our country” and praised the differently-abled individuals who consistently strive for the progress and well-being of Pakistan.

The event concluded on a high note, with the audience applauding the vibrant and heartfelt performances. The DGSE’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for differently-abled children was evident throughout the program, making it a memorable celebration of Pakistan’s independence.

ISLAMABAD, AUG 14: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday extended his heartfelt gratitude to the leadership of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for their warm wishes on the occasion of Pakistan’s Independence Day.

In a message on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, the prime minister thanked Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, for his felicitations.

“I thank Your Highness and the entire leadership of UAE for always standing with Pakistan in our journey towards peace, progress, and prosperity,” the premier wrote. He also expressed optimism about the future of Pakistan-UAE relations, stating, “I am confident that by working together, we can build a bright future for our peoples. Long live Pakistan-UAE brotherhood.”

The UAE Prime Minister, in his message, reiterated his country’s unwavering commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Pakistan.

He stressed the importance of exploring new avenues for growth and working together to ensure a future marked by prosperity and success for both nations.

KARACHI, AUG 14: At least 95 people were injured and a child was killed as a result of celebratory aerial firing in Karachi on the eve of Independence Day, a hospital official said on Wednesday.

Incidents of aerial firing are a routine occurrence on occasions such as Independence Day and New Year’s Eve despite bans imposed in the past, often leaving dozens injured.

According to a statement issued by police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed, a total of 95 aerial firing cases were reported across three major hospitals in Karachi.

Thirty-nine cases, comprising 33 men and six women, were noted at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC). The eldest was 74 years old while the youngest was a five-year-old child.

Abbasi Shaheed Hospital received 34 injured people, including 25 men and nine women, with their ages ranging between six and 65 years.

At the Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto (SMBB) Trauma Centre, 22 injured, comprising 17 men and five women, were reported. The eldest person was aged 55 years while the youngest was six years old.

The condition of one injured being treated at the SMBB Trauma Centre was “serious”, Dr Syed told Dawn.com. She also confirmed that a child had died, with a police statement saying that a suspect in that case had been arrested.

Earlier, the Chhipa rescue service’s information bureau issued a list of the injured people along with their ages and the area of the incident.

“People injured due to aerial firing in various parts of Karachi on the occasion of Independence Day are being taken to the Civil (SMBB Trauma Centre), Jinnah (JPMC), and Abbasi Shaheed hospitals via Chhipa ambulances,” the statement said.

According to the list, which reported 75 people as injured, at least 18 minors and 12 women were among those wounded as a result of aerial firing. They included a three-year-old, two four-year-olds, and an 82-year-old woman.

The incidents took place in various areas, including Korangi, Landhi, Lyari, Nazimabad, Gulshan-i-Iqbal, Liaquatabad, Sohrab Goth, and Golimar.

19 arrested across city
Police across Karachi’s Central District arrested 14 suspects while the Korangi District police took five men into custody for the aerial firing incidents, with weapons allegedly being recovered in all cases.

According to a statement issued by Zeeshan Shafique, spokesperson for the Central District senior superintendent of police, a total of 14 suspects have been taken into custody within the limits of various police stations and cases have been filed against them.

A suspect was arrested by the Shahrah-i-Noor Jahan police after a child died due to accidental gunfire, the police statement said. It added that a licensed pistol was recovered from the suspect and a first information report (FIR) was registered.

Police stations of Khawaja Ajmer Nagri, New Karachi, Sir Syed, Supermarket, Hyderi Market, Paposhnagar, Joharabad, and Gulbahar each arrested one person involved in aerial firing and recovered arms from them, most of which were licensed.

Nazimabad police arrested two suspects while Sharifabad police arrested three, the statement by Shafique said.

Separately, the Korangi District police said they had arrested five men allegedly involved in aerial firing.

The arrests were made in Saudabad, Landhi, Zaman Town, and various areas of Korangi, the police statement said. It claimed that weapons were recovered from the suspects and cases were registered against them.

MOSCOW, AUG 14 /DNA/ – The Pakistan Embassy in Moscow observed the 77th anniversary of Pakistan’s independence with a flag-hoisting ceremony.

The event commenced with a solemn recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by the raising of the Pakistani flag by Charge d’Affaires, Salman Pervaiz with National Anthem .

First Secretary Nazia Shaikh and Second Secretary Muhammad Tayyab conveyed heartfelt messages from the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan to the assembled guests.

The embassy extended warm greetings to the Pakistani community in Russia and reaffirmed its commitment to serving the interests of Pakistan and its citizens.