Day: June 9, 2024

Pakistan Hajj Mission in Makkah has compensated 187 pilgrims of Private Hajj Scheme with 500 SAR each amounting to 6.7 million Pakistani rupees. Radio Pakistan Correspondent Bilal Khan Mehsud reports from Makkah, upon receiving complaints from the pilgrims, the Director Monitoring Cell at the Pakistan Hajj Mission Zulfiqar Khan reached the spot and after completing the due course of law he imposed substantial penalties on two private Hajj Group Organizers. The Private operators violated their agreement to provide pilgrims with accommodations within the designated distance of 900-1,700 meters from the Grand Mosque (Baitullah Sharif). While interacting with state run media in Makkah, the Director said on complaints of private-scheme pilgrims, the monitoring cell served notices on the two HGOs and gave them mandatory hearings under a laid-down procedure. It found a breach of the agreement, duly admitted by the HGOs, as the pilgrims' residences were at a distance of 2,400 meters when measured through Google Maps. Under a proactive approach, he said, the monitoring teams visit different buildings daily, gather feedback from the pilgrims and then take necessary action after on-the-spot inspections in the presence of the nominated representatives of the concerned HGOs. To a question, the director categorically said we will not tolerate any kind of cheating with the guests of Allah Almighty at any cost. He said our main focus is on providing instant relief to the Hujjaj, under the 'then and there' formula, so the compensation amount has been paid to them. He said the Monitoring Cell has ensured a shuttle service from their residences to the Haram after every 20 minutes around the clock. To another question, the director of the monitoring cell said this action would encourage pilgrims by showing them that someone cared for them, prompting them to speak for their rights and lodge complaints against those not fulfilling their agreements. Source: Radio Pakistan

International Archives Day is being observed today. The Day is aimed at raising awareness about the importance and need to preserve for the long-term documentary evidence of every activity, decision and fact that affects the economic, social and cultural development of humanity. Source: Radio Pakistan

Seven brave sons of soil embraced martyrdom when an improvised explosive device exploded on vehicle of Security Forces in Lakki Marwat. Those, who made the ultimate sacrifice and embraced martyrdom, include Captain Muhammad Faraz Ilyas, Subedar Major Muhammad Nazir, Lance Naik Muhammad Anwar, Lance Naik Hussain Ali, Sepoy Asad Ullah, Sepoy Manzoor Hussain, and Sepoy Rashid Mehmood. According to ISPR, sanitization of the area is being carried out to eliminate any terrorists present in the area and perpetrators of this heinous act will be brought to justice. Security forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve. President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed grief over the martyrdom of security forces' personnel when their vehicle collided with an improvised explosive device in Lakki Marwat. In a statement today, he paid rich tribute to the personnel of the security forces and prayed for higher status in heaven fo r the departed souls. Condemning the IED attack on security forces, Asif Ali Zardari said the entire nation is fully committed to eliminate the scourge of terrorism from the country. He said the nation will not forget sacrifices of its brave sons and martyrs. Commending martyrs' patriotism and valiance, the President commiserated with the bereaved families. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed deep grief over the martyrdom of seven security forces' personnel including Captain Muhammad Faraz Illyas in a terrorist attack in Lakki Marwat. In a statement today, he said that entire nation pays tribute to the law enforcement agencies for giving meritorious sacrifices and services. The Prime Minister said that the entire nation stands with the law enforcement agencies in the war against terrorism. Shehbaz Sharif vowed to continue the war against terrorism till the complete elimination of this menace from the country. Source: Radio Pakistan

The government has established departments in all provinces to speed up mining of mineral reserves in the country. The minerals sector is one of the priority sectors of Special Investment Facilitation Council and collaborations are being made with local and foreign investors for its promotion. Mining in Chagai district has been accelerated since the out-of-court settlement with Barrack Gold. It is a four billion dollar project in which Pakistan will contribute two billion dollars. A one billion dollar mining fund has also been established jointly by Pakistan and Kuwait under the SIFC. Source: Radio Pakistan

A three-day eye camp was organized in Ferozewala to provide free and quality eye care to the residents of the area and its neighboring villages. Pakistan Army and Saylani welfare trust jointly organized the camp. Hundreds of people benefited from the facility and got free eye checkup, medicines, lenses and surgery. Awareness lectures were also given to people regarding eye diseases and general health. Source: Radio Pakistan

Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Deputy Speaker Syed Mir Ghulam Mustafa Shah have expressed deep grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Taskeen Zafar. In their separate condolence messages, they paid rich tribute to Taskeen Zafar for her services in the field of broadcasting. They prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and commiserated with the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss with fortitude. Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar also expressed grief and sorrow over the demise of Radio Pakistan's senior newscaster Taskeen Zafar. In a statement today, he said he is deeply saddened to hear the news of Taskeen Zafar's death. The Minister said Taskeen Zafar was a talented and experienced newscaster. He said her death has resulted in an irreparable loss not only to Radio Pakistan but to the entire media industry. The Minister extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of Taskeen Zafar. He prayed for eternal peace of the deceased and patience for her bereaved family. Secretary Information and Broadcasting Shahera Shahid expressed deep grief and sorrow over the death of Radio Pakistan's senior newscaster Taskeen Zafar. In her condolence message, she said Taskeen Zafar was an asset of Radio Pakistan and void created by her demise will never be filled. The Secretary Information said Taskeen Zafar's services to Radio Pakistan will always be remembered. Extending condolences to the bereaved family of late Taskeen Zafar, she prayed for her eternal peace and patience for her family. Director General Radio Pakistan Saeed Ahmed Shaikh has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the sad demise of legendary broadcaster and Radio Pakistan's Urdu Newscaster Taskeen Zafar. Expressing his sympathies with the bereaved family, he prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and forbearance for the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss. The Director General said Radio Pakistan lost a great asset today. He said services of Taskeen Zafar in the broadcasting field are matchless. Saeed Ahmed Shaikh said Taskeen Zafar earned nation-wide recognition as a newscaster. He said Taskeen Zafar would remain a source of inspiration and pride for us in the times ahead, and she would be dearly missed. Source: Radio Pakistan

Minister for Board of Investment, Communications and Privatization Abdul Aleem Khan has assured the Chinese investors of providing a favourable and congenial environment in Pakistan. Speaking at the session with China's CZK Huarui Group in Beijing, the Minister said as neighbours' trade relations between China and Pakistan are of great importance in the region which has positive effects on both the countries. It was decided during the meeting that Chinese businessmen will invest in Pakistan in Artificial Intelligence, Science and Technology, Modern Agriculture, Healthcare, Logistics and Infrastructure. Source: Radio Pakistan

Chinese companies operating in Pakistan have expressed confidence that Prime Minister's visit to China will explore more opportunities for the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. World leading Chinese engineering and power companies CMEC and POWERCHINA have shown interest to enhance investment and undertake new projects across various sectors. Talking to the Chinese media, Dai Bao, Vice General Manager of China Machinery Engineering Corporation said having closely observed Pakistan progress, we are confident that both countries will reap benefits from this new chapter. He said with unwavering support from both governments, we are committed to contributing significantly to this milestone project. The Power Construction Corporation of China would seek further collaboration with relevant international partners, taking full advantage of the rich water, wind, solar, and mine resources in Pakistan. Source: Radio Pakistan