KARACHI, MAR 3 /DNA/ – Pakistan Navy has extended relief and rescue operations to various small coastal villages of Balochistan affected by recent flash flooding.

Pakistan Navy has expedited rescue and relief operations by stationing helicopters in flood-affected areas of Gwadar District. Pakistan Navy helicopters undertook multiple hops from Gwadar to the flood affected villages of Pishukan and Kappar. Relief teams delivered ration bags, clean drinking water and food items near people stranded in their villages.

Moreover, ration and relief goods distribution conducted by Pakistan Navy personnel amongst flood affectees of Gwadar city. In addition, large numbers of medical supplies and ration bags have also been dispatched to different other flood-affected villages through road where land connectivity is restored.

Further, in assistance to civil administration, Pakistan Navy troops are wholeheartedly undertaking rescue and relief operations utilizing all available equipment and resources. In this regard, de-flooding operations are being conducted on various localities of Gwadar city to clear flood water.

Pakistan Navy is resolutely committed to supporting our flood-affected brethren during this difficult time.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 3 /DNA/ – Reza Amiri Moghadam, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Pakistan message on the election of Pakistan PM.

I would like to express my warmest congratulations on the election of Shahbaz Sharif, as the 24th Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan following a successful nationwide election.

Islamic Republic of Iran expresses readiness to expand all-out mutual relations, ties & cooperation with the brotherly, friendly and neighboring country of Pakistan. I wish peace, security, prosperity & stability for the years to come for our brotherly country of Pakistan.

DNA ISLAMABAD: Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif has been elected as the 24TH Prime Minister of Pakistan

 Shehbaz Sharif secured 201 votes.

 while PTI backed candidate Omar Ayub got 92   votes.

EARLIER, Lawmakers in the National Assembly are voting to elect the country’s 24th prime minister in the session that began with members of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) creating a ruckus by chanting slogans. 

The session, which is being chaired by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, began with the oath-taking of PML-N’s Jam Kamal. 

However, the House soon began echoing with slogans and chants raised by the SIC members in favour of incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and alliance backing Shehbaz Sharif.

After this, Speaker Sadiq asked the Assembly staff to ring the bell for five minutes so any members that are not present in the house could come to the floor for the prime minister’s election.  

Once the bells were rung, Speaker Sadiq ordered the NA staff to lock the doors and announced the method for electing the prime minister. 

Then the speaker informed the lawmakers about the candidates who were contesting for the prime minister’s elections. 

“Valid nominated candidates are Shehbaz Sharif and Omar Ayub. Honourable members who wish to vote in favour of Shehbaz may proceed to the lobby on the right side designated as ‘Lobby A’,” the speaker said. 

The speaker then directed that those who wish to vote for Ayub can proceed to the left-hand side towards “Lobby B” to get their votes recorded.

KARACHI / ISLAMABAD/LAHORE, MAR 2 /DNA/ – The Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has extended warm congratulations to the recently elected office-bearers of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) on their well-deserved victory.

According to the press release issued by the Media Cell of Bilawal House, the PPP Chairman congratulated the newly elected President of the APNS, Nazafreen Saigol Lakhani, Secretary General Sarmad Ali, Senior Vice President Imtinan Shahid, Vice President Muhammad Aslam Kazi, Joint Secretary Syed Muhammad Munir Jilani, and Finance Secretary Shahab Zubairi. Chairman PPP also extended his congratulations to the newly elected members of the Executive Committee on their victory.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, in his congratulatory message addressed to the newly elected office bearers, saying: “The victory in the election is a manifestation of the trust and confidence your colleagues have in you.” He emphasized that Pakistan is currently facing a challenging period, and in these circumstances, the role of the media and the leadership of APNS is crucial. He highlighted that the media plays an important role in shaping public opinion and promoting democratic values. “Under your esteemed leadership, it is our sincere hope that the APNS will make even greater contributions to the growth and integrity of the press than ever before,” he added. Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed confidence that the bilateral and constructive cooperation between the PPP and APNS will persist, fostering continued progress and collaboration for the betterment of the nation.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 2 /DNA/ – Prime Minister nominated, Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has extended heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected office-bearers of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), following the successful conclusion of their Annual Meeting at the APNS House, Karachi.

He has felicitated newly-elected APNS President Nazafreen Saigol Lakhani, Secretary General Sarmad Ali, Senior Vice President Imtinan Shahid, Vice President Muhammad Aslam Kazi, Joint Secretary Syed Muhammad Munir Jilani and Finance Secretary Shahab Zuberi.

Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, recognizing the importance of a vibrant and independent press, extended his warmest wishes to the newly elected leadership. He acknowledges the crucial role that the APNS plays in upholding journalistic integrity and promoting the freedom of the press in Pakistan.

“I extend my congratulations to the newly elected leadership. I hope the APNS leadership will remain committed to upholding the values of a independent and responsible. I recognize the indispensable role that the APNS plays in shaping public discourse and holding those in power to account. The press is the cornerstone of democracy, and it is imperative that we support and protect its freedom,” Mian Shahbaz Sharif said in a statement.

He said that under the capable leadership of President Nazafreen Saigol Lakhani and her team, the APNS will continue to serve as a beacon of journalistic excellence and a voice for the people. Together, we will navigate the challenges ahead and strive to create an environment where the media can thrive.

“My government will stand shoulder to shoulder with the APNS and the wider media fraternity, advocating for fair treatment, transparent policies, and increased support to ensure the sustainability of the print media industry.”

Mian Shahbaz Sharif maintained that in these times of rapid change and technological advancement, it was vcrucial that we adapted while staying true to our core values. The APNS had a vital role to play in shaping the future of journalism in Pakistan.

“For the media is not just an industry; it is the voice of the people, the guardian of truth, and the cornerstone of democracy. Together, let us continue to uphold these principles and strive for a brighter future for our nation,” he said.

The APNS, under the stewardship of its new leadership, remains committed to advancing the interests of the print media industry and confronting the myriad challenges it faces in an evolving digital landscape.

Rawalpindi, MAR 2 /DNA/ – Security forces conducted an intelligence based operation in Karak District, on reported presence of terrorists.

During the conduct of operation, intense fire exchange took place between own troops and the terrorists, as a result of which three terrorists were sent to hell, while four terrorists got injured.

Weapons, ammunition and explosives were also recovered from the killed terrorists, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against Law enforcement agencies as well as innocent civilians.

Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other terrorist found in the area. Locals of the area appreciated the operation and expressed their full support to eliminate the menace of terrorism.

KARACHI, MAR 2 /DNA/ – The Annual Meeting of the APNS General Council held on March 02, 2024 at APNS House, Karachi unanimously elected Nazafreen Saigol Lakhani as  President, Imtinan Shahid as Senior Vice President, Muhammad Aslam Kazi as Vice President, Sarmad Ali as Secretary General, Syed Muhammad Munir Jilani as Joint Secretary and Shahab Zuberi as Finance Secretary of the Society.

The AGM was held under the chairmanship of Mrs. Nazafreen Saigol Lakhani, President of the Society. The Council unanimously approved the report of the Executive Committee for the year 2023-2024 as well as the Annual Accounts of the Society for the year 2023.

The General Council attended by 116 members from across the country, formed an Election Commission headed by Dr. Waqar Yousuf Azeemi with  Syed Irfan Shah and Zahid Hafeez as members. The Election Commission conducted the election of the Executive Committee for the year 2024-25.

Following dailies and magazines were elected un-opposed to the Executive Committee of the APNS for the next tenure:

Daily Times, Daily Duniya, Daily Jang, Daily Khabrain, Daily Pakistan (Lahore), Daily Tijarat, Daily Ausaf, Daily Nawa-i-Waqt, Daily Awam (Quetta), Daily Mashriq (Quetta), Daily Wahdat, Daily Mashriq (Peshawar), Daily Kaleem, Daily Kawish, Daily Aftab (Multan), Daily Business Report, Daily Paigham, Daily City42, Daily Pakistan Observer, Daily Halchal, Daily Sayadat on daily seats and Weekly Azm, Monthly Dastak, Monthly Naey Ufaq, Monthly Naya Rukh, Monthly Centre Line, Fortnightly Ibrat and Weekly Nikhar elected on periodical seats.

There being 07 candidates on 06 Karachi daily Seats, the Election Commission conducted the election. Following were elected by secret ballot:

Daily Aghaz, Daily Business Recorder, Daily Dawn, Daily Deyanat, Daily Jasarat and Daily Jiddat, Karachi.

The new Executive Committee elected Mrs. Zahida Abbasi of Daily Nau Sijj, Karachi on woman – publishers seat.

The newly elected Executive Committee appreciated the performance of the Election Commission for conducting fair and transparent elections.

The AGM in a resolution, expressed its profound concern on the state of print media due to the present economic situation which has caused severe financial crisis for newspapers, many of them are at the verge of collapse. In this situation, the media expected support from the government to brave the financial crunch. The AGM urged upon the new Federal Government to implement the decision of Mian Shahbaz Sharif approved in his last tenure to increase the government advertisement rates. The members in the AGM, requested the Federal and provincial governments to pay the long outstanding dues of newspaper industry, increase the quantum of advertisements and allocate a separate share of print media in the advertising budget so that the newspaper industry would be able to survive in the present situation.

The AGM in a resolution, expressed its profound concern on the arbitrary decision of the PID to remove 17 publications from the Combined Media List out of which, 11 publications are members of the APNS. The APNS condemned the above decision and requested the Ministry of Information to restore the publications on the media list.

ISLAMABAD, MAR 2 /DNA/ – On the direction of Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA), the teams of CDA, MCI and ICT during heavy rain completed active in Islamabad on Saturday and along with timely responding to the complaints of standing water due to rain in different areas of the city, the water accumulated on the highways was also cleared.

According to the details, due to the heavy rain on Saturday, the helpline established by the administration of the Capital Development Authority made it possible to solve the complaints of water accumulation from different places in a timely manner so that the citizens do not face any kind of difficulties.

Moreover, on the special instructions of the CDA administration, the accumulation of water on the highways due to heavy rains, special measures were taken by the relevant departments to maintain the flow of traffic so that the citizens do not suffer from problems like traffic jams.

Apart from this, the joint teams of CDA, MCI and ICT were active in CDA’s sectorial areas, non-sectorial areas including housing societies and other low-lying areas and if necessary, people were helped in draining water from low-lying areas including houses through dewatering pumps.

It should be noted that in view of the rains, the holidays of the relevant staff have also been cancelled. Similarly, the duties of the respective staff have been distributed at different times while strict monitoring of low-lying areas is also being ensured.

KARACHI, Mar 2 (APP/DNA): The President, Arif Alvi on Saturday while laying a great emphasis on archiving the collection of books digitally said that the future of the country depended on the education and knowledge.

He said that the digitalization of historical books and material was necessary.

He expressed these views in the launching cermony of the 1st Karachi Festival of Books and libraries at Governor House here.

The President said that the books played vital role in developing association with others.

He said, ‘Access to Information has become easy these days,’ which was difficult in the past.

He further said that in their times they were used to sit with their teachers for years to gain knowledge.

Dr. Alvi while referring to the present era said that it was a strange period of time in which children prefer using mobile over reading books.

He said that his grandson and granddaugher did not read books except those of the school syllabus.

The President said that he was fond of reading books and he gave its credit to his parents. Dr. Alvi said that he read approximately 30 to 40 books in a year.

He said that the Muslims had worked hard on librarires whereas they entered in the field of Press in 1730 or 1735 almost 300 years late than the rest of the world due to some reservations.

He said that 20.62 million children were out-of-school and it was a big challenge.

Earlier, Co-founders of the festival Aziz Memon and Syed Khalid Mahmood, President of Karachi Library Association (KLA) Farheen Mahmood and others spoke on the occasion.

Later, the President Dr. Arif Alvi distributed shields. Associated Press of Pakistan (APP)’s former Bureau Chief Abdul Qadir Qureshi and former Sports Report Ehsan Qureshi were also among the recipients.