ISLAMABAD, MAR 22 /DNA/ – Pakistan strongly condemns the terrorist attack that took place in Kandahar on 21 March 2024 and resulted in the loss of valuable lives and injuries to many others.

The Government and the people of Pakistan extend their sincere condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the early recovery of the injured.

Pakistan reiterates its strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Terrorism is a shared concern that both countries need to address through collective efforts.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 22 /DNA/ – Health activists have thrown their support behind the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recommendations for Pakistan, with a specific focus on restructuring tobacco taxation. During the event “Fueling Economic Growth through Increased Tobacco Taxation” organized by the Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC), activists urged the Government of Pakistan to transition to a Single Tier Tobacco Taxation System, thereby eliminating the second tier. This strategic move is deemed essential not only for boosting revenue but also for relieving the healthcare cost burdens imposed by tobacco-related illnesses.

Malik Imran Ahmed, Country head Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids (CTFK), highlighted the alignment between the IMF’s recommendations and the ongoing discussions with Pakistan. These discussions aim to tackle the nation’s fiscal and external sustainability weaknesses while fostering economic recovery and inclusive growth. A key component involves strengthening public finances through gradual fiscal consolidation, broadening the tax base in undertaxed sectors, and improving tax administration to enhance debt sustainability. Imran emphasized the urgent need to tie these objectives with tobacco taxation, stressing the imperative of reforming Pakistan’s cigarette taxation system.

Malik Imran further emphasized that revitalizing Pakistan’s cigarette taxation system transcends mere fiscal considerations; it is a matter of urgent public health concern. He lamented that despite the substantial taxes imposed on cigarettes, the revenue generated falls short of covering the healthcare costs incurred due to smoking-related illnesses. In the fiscal year 2022-23, taxes covered a meager 16% of these expenses, indicating a significant decline from 19.5% in 2019.

Dr. Khalil Ahmad Dogar, Program Manager at SPARC, underscored the alarming prevalence of tobacco use in Pakistan. With approximately 31.9 million adults aged 15 years and above reported as current tobacco users, constituting nearly 19.7% of the adult population, the dire consequences of tobacco consumption extend far beyond individual health.

He stressed the urgent need for immediate action to bridge the gap between tobacco tax revenue and healthcare costs. He advocated for the adoption of a Single Tier Tobacco Taxation System, as recommended by the IMF, as a means to not only bolster revenue but also to alleviate the health and economic burdens associated with tobacco consumption.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 22 (DNA) — The National Highway and Motorway Police (NHMP) have kicked off a comprehensive awareness campaign across various motorways and highways nationwide, aiming to reduce traffic accidents and enhance road safety.

An NHMP public relations officer on Friday said while talking to media that, the initiative was spurred by directives from the Inspector General of NHMP, Salman Chohdary in order to ensure road safety and minimize traffic mishaps.

The NHMP’s campaign will focus on educating travelers about the dangers of lane jumping, the risks associated with using mobile phones while driving, and the importance of wearing seat belts.

Additionally, the campaign incorporates specially-abled individuals who actively participate in spreading awareness by holding placards with messages tailored to road safety. Former test cricketer Shoaib Muhammad has also lent his support to the NHMP’s awareness efforts, encouraging travelers to adopt safe driving practices and adhere to traffic regulations.

The NHMP has received widespread acknowledgment from commuters for its initiative, while the testimonials from travelers have been recorded and shared on social media platforms to broaden the campaign’s reach.

NHMP officials are actively engaged in educating drivers and passengers about traffic rules, emphasizing the significance of wearing seat belts, and highlighting the hazards of using mobile phones while driving. They also stressed the importance of avoiding over-speeding and lane jumping, which are common causes of accidents resulting in loss of life and permanent disabilities.

The road users have praised the NHMP’s dedication to road safety and expressed hope that such campaigns will persist to ensure the safety and well-being of all travelers. — DNA

ISLAMABAD, Mar 22 (APP/DNA): President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday approved remission for the prisoners on the occasion of Pakistan Day annually observed on March 23 and Eid ul Fitr.

The president granted a remission of 90 days each, for both occasions in sentences exercising his powers under Article 45 of the Constitution and Rule 15-A of the Rules of Business.

However, the remission would not be applicable on the prisoners involved in murder, espionage and anti-state activities.

Besides, the prisoners involved in rape, theft, robbery, kidnapping, terrorism and financial crimes, would also be ineligible for the remission.

The reduction in sentences would be applicable on the male prisoners of over 65 years age and female prisoners of over 60 years age, who had completed one-third of the sentence.

The juvenile prisoners, who had completed one third of their sentence would also be entitled for the remission.

LAHORE, MAR 22 /DNA/ – Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz has decided to constitute a Sports Advisory Council in which foreigner players and students would be its members. CM has also decided to reconstitute Punjab Sports Board and directed to avail the services of national and international coaches for the promotion of sports and training.

CM presided over a meeting at Sports Department in which it was agreed to make multi-purpose sports grounds in 91 constituencies. A Special Planning Unit will be constituted in the Sports department to undertake planning and other development affairs. It was decided during the meeting that biometric attendance condition will be ensured in the Sports department so as to identify the ghost employees. CM lauded strives of Minister for Sports and Sports Department.

Maryam Nawaz stated “She greatly likes sports and was the Capitan of Baseball team during her period of studies. I want restoration of sports and there is a dire need to undertake measures at a mega scale.

The youths face dearth of opportunities and are driven towards addiction. The sports infrastructure should be restored immediately for the youth and hockey competitions should be organized as it is our national sport.” The proposal to constitute the Institute of Sports Sciences Punjab was reviewed during the meeting. CM directed to include basketball sport in the talent hunt programme.

Approval for granting additional Rs. 2 billion for the Sports Endowment Fund being established at the cost of Rs. 2 billion. CM directed to constitute a Maintenance Department for the protection of sports facilities adding that whatever amount is required for the promotion of sports will be granted. Former Senator Pervaiz Rasheed stated that the private schools had less space and due to non-availability of grounds, sports activities have ended in the schools.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stated that the children should be provided sports facilities at the UC level. Secretary Sports gave a briefing about the working of the department and apprised that revamping of the National Hockey Stadium has been completed and would be inaugurated soon. Sports camps would be established for the children in the summer vacations.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Former Senator Pervaiz Rasheed, Provincial Minister for Information Azma Bokhari, Provincial Minister for Sports Faisal Ayub Khokhar, MPA Sania Ashiq, Secretary Sports and relevant officials attended the meeting.

MOSCOW, MAR 22 /DNA/ – A reception on the occasion of Pakistan National Day was held at Pakistan House on 21 March 2024.

Senator Vladimir Chizhov and Mr Sergey Cheremin, Minister of the Government of Moscow, Head of the Department of Foreign Economic and International Relations of the City of Moscow were the chief guests of the event.

In his address to the gathering, Ambassador Muhammad Khalid Jamali noted that Pakistan and Russia enjoy warm, friendly relations built on mutual trust & cooperation. He expressed  intention to work towards increasing the cross-cultural, educational and people to people contacts to cement a strong bond of friendship between the two countries.

“I am confident that the future holds even brighter prospects for our bilateral relations,” the Ambassador added.

The event was attended by foreign Ambassadors, diplomats, representatives of Russian ministries, scholars, journalists and friends of Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 22 /DNA/ – To honor Pakistan Day, the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) organized a dynamic ceremony at its National Headquarters here on Friday. The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Secretary General PRCS, Muhammad Abidullah Khan, along with Mr. Peter (Piwi) Ophoff, Head of Delegation for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Pakistan, Mr. Nicolas Lambert, Head of Delegation for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Pakistan, as well as delegates from the German Red Cross, Turkish Red Crescent, and Norwegian Red Cross, along with representatives from the RCRC Movement Partners. Furthermore, the ceremony warmly embraced Red Crescent staff, volunteers, and students.

Secretary General PRCS, Muhammad Abidullah Khan, led the flag hoisting ceremony, amidst applause and national anthems, symbolizing our collective aspirations for the safety, progress, and happiness of Pakistan. The event was further adorned by musical performances and tableaus presented by students from private schools.

In his message on this occasion, Chairman PRCS, Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari, emphasized the pivotal role of March 23, 1940, in laying the foundation of our independent homeland. He underscored how the resolution for Pakistan’s creation uplifted the spirits of Muslims, and credited Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s steadfast efforts for the realization of Pakistan. Chairman Laghari paid tribute to the sacrifices and struggles of our ancestors, urging every individual to contribute fully to the progress and prosperity of Pakistan.

During the inauguration, Secretary General PRCS, Muhammad Abidullah Khan, reflected on the significance and historical importance of Pakistan Day celebrations.

As the event concluded, prayers were offered for the peace and prosperity of Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 22 /DNA/ – Ambassador of the United Stated of America, Donald Blome called on the newly appointed Federal Minister for Petroleum, Musadik Malik. the ambassador extended his congratulations to Dr. Musadik Malik on assuming the office and expressed high hopes for the transformation of the energy sector. Federal Minister appreciated H.E. Ambassador Blome for always extending his support and reaffirmed that together both the countries can achieve the shared energy goals.

Taking the opportunity, both sides discussed in detail the potential areas of cooperation, including technology transfer, investment opportunities, and capacity building initiatives in the energy sector and regional projects. Ways and means to promote sustainable carbon friendly footprint, renewables, green hydrogen were also discussed.

During the meeting, Minister highlighted Pakistan’s commitment towards fostering stronger ties with the United States. The Minister apprised the US ambassador regarding Pakistan’s vast potential in the energy sector, particularly in the minerals sector.

Ambassador Blome informed the Minster that a high-level economic dialogue is scheduled to be held in April at Washington where energy related matters including minerals would take the center stage.