Saudi King sends ?gift? of 150 tons of dates to Pakistanis

Riyadh: Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz has sent a gift of 150 tons of dates to the people of Pakistan.Saudi Ambassador Nawaf Saeed bin Al-Malkiy handed over the gift to Pakistani officials, Radio Pakistan reported.The dates would be distributed among deserving people of Pakistan, said Joint Secretary Cabinet Division.

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PPP to defeat opponents with the support of masses: Zardari

KARACHI: Former President Asif Ali Zardari has said that Benazir Bhutto had embraced martyrdom while leading the fighting on democratic front adding that her prayers are always with us and her other supporters during the continuing struggle for the rights of downtrodden and strengthening of democracy.President Asif Ali Zardari was addressing the Party office-bearers at Bilawal House during cake-cutting ceremony on the occasion of 65th birthday of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Senator Sherry Rehman, Saeed Ghani and others were also present.He pointed out that the martyrdom of Benazir Bhutto had shaken the entire world and even American stock exchange Dow Jones crashed following her assassination.Asif Ali Zardari said that commando Pervez Musharraf was afraid of returning back to the country today and questioned wherefrom Musharraf got billions of rupees while there was no proof of billions he claimed to have gotten from Saudi King Abdullah. He said it was strange logic that Pervez Musharraf announces to contest general elections but was reluctant to return back and was searching a platform, sometimes even claiming to lead MQM groups.PPPP President said that democracy has suffered whenever a dictator has propped up adding that dictator Zia had thought that he would silence Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto by hanging him but he and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto continue to live on in hearts and minds of the people of Pakistan even today.He said that Benazir Bhutto was living within us behind some curtain and pledged that PPP would defeat the opponents in the general elections with the support of the masses all over the country.

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Desalination of seawater proposed to tackle Pakistan?s looming water crisis

ISLAMABAD: Desalination of seawater offers enormous opportunities for Pakistan to meet its growing agricultural and civil water requirements in the country, a top government body has proposed.Pakistan is feared to go water scarce in the next one decade or do. A high-level consultative meeting held at the Ministry of Planning and Development under the chairmanship of Planning Secretary Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqi has proposed numbers of actions to use the seawater as an alternative source to deal with water scarcity. The meeting was attended by experts and top officials from UNESCO, National Institute of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), Pakistan Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (PCSIR), Governments of Punjab and Sindh, Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad, CDA, WASA Rawalpindi, Defence Housing Authority, Karachi, Gwadar Development Authority.It proposed recycling and treatment of drinking, industrial and sewerage water in cities and urban areas.In order to benefit from international best practices, a representative from world’s leading firms was also invited. Accordingly, representatives of two US firms, three Chinese consulting organisations and one Middle Eastern and European firms participated. Jia Li from Yellow River Engineering of China also made a presentation. Renowned desalination expert Prof Mark Tester from King Abdullah University, KSA and Dr Shahbaz Khan, UNESCO Cluster Office Director, Jakarta made presentations online.The high-level meeting discussed five major subjects including Seawater desalination: IWRM paradigm, sewerage water treatment, drinking water treatment, recycling of municipal wastewater and treatment of industrial wastewater.The meeting also made a number of unanimous solutions which included the adoption of an internationally recognised framework of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) which is in line with the objectives set for UN Decade for Action-Water for Sustainable Development (2018-28).It was emphasised that solar desalination was highly suitable for Keti Bandar, Thatta and Badin in Sindh and Ormara, Pasni and Jivani in Balochistan.The meeting identified that higher costs were the major hindrance in the adoption of desalination technologies. In a bid to reduce the cost of installation as well as that of O&M, local manufacturing would be promoted with the exception of only two items i.e. membranes and instruments.As per the recommendations of the committee, saline aquifers make a reasonable part of groundwater resources. It was emphasised that feasible and effective technologies like magnetic treatment and partial desalination may be promoted.In the coastal belt, pre-filtration through slow and filters needs to be adopted for increasing life of treatment plants without compromising on the quality of output. In addition, dug wells may also be used near coastline where subsurface hydrogeology allows.Keeping in view the deteriorating water quality in Islamabad, it was urged that CADD, CDA and MCI may adopt and promote bio-remediation measures and all water streams may be linked with the network(s) of this environment friendly technology.Public sector investments need to be significantly increased by federal and provincial governments for sewage treatment and protection of freshwater bodies.It was accentuated that Pakistan National Standards for Drinking Water Quality (2008) need to be strictly enforced in letter and spirit. Regarding industrial effluents, provisions made under NEQS (2010) should be followed.Enforcement of Canal and Drainage Act of 1873 may be ensured to prevent discharge of effluents and protect freshwater bodies.New human settlements i.e. Bahria Town, DHAs should be made responsible for the appropriate treatment of wastewater before disposal. Arrangements may also be made for wastewater treatment in the case of high risers.It was also discussed earlier in an international conference on Seawater Desalination that water scarcity was affected and likely to further reduce and more vulnerable on supply side due to Indian, Afghan and Chinese water use upstream. Water scarcity would increase due to the enhanced demand owing to urbanisation, industrial development, population increase, the changes in life patterns and food consumption patterns, and increased GDP as well as irrigation requirements due to global warming.Existing water supply in the country covers about 85-90% of the population, however, neither the quantity is adequate nor the quality is safe. Drinking water’s main resource is groundwater.Groundwater aquifers, due to the unsustainable withdrawal of water have dangerously declined in Quetta and Lahore urban centres, whereas out of 43 canal commands, 37 canal commands have also shown a drastic decrease in groundwater level which is an alarming position.Waterborne diseases include conventional diseases like malaria and typhoid, but now also hepatitis. Districts of Gujranwala and Bahawalnagar have badly been impacted due to hepatitis.Seawater treatment technology is a proven technology and is being implemented successfully in 27 countries. Sewerage treatment is essential for protecting freshwater bodies and protecting groundwater aquifer from pathogens and other heavy metals. Industrial effluents treatment is the responsibility of industries however, it has been observed that they are not following their responsibilities and in areas of Punjab such as Kala Shah Kaku, they are releasing hazardous wastewater into dug wells.Rivers of Ravi, Sutlej, Malir and Liari are now filled with sewerage whereas Islamabad freshwater streams are now causing health hazards and also have a stagnant odor that needs immediate attention.Greater Karachi area has damaged the aqua life and water quality in coastal areas and this is also happening in Gwadar.It suggested that electronic media may play their role to create awareness by dedicating prime time to water related challenges as their Corporate Social Responsibility.

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Social media weighs in as Zaeem Qadri revolts against Shehbaz, Hamza

KARACHI: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) disgruntled leader Zaeem Qadri’s tirade against party’s leaders and a welcome from opponent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has waved an alert on social media.Citing PTI leader Aleem Khan’s welcome to Zaeem Qadri, PTI supporters have opposed the invite on social media, contending he may prove to be an injurious turncoat.In the meantime, many sympathized with Qadri for being  denied a ticket to content in the election from the party he had been defending over the past many years. Zaeem Qadri had announced to contest general elections 2018 as an independent candidate for NA-133 constituency after the party leadership refused to give him ticket for the seat.He also slammed remarks against Shahbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Shahbaz, saying “Lahore is not their personal property.”

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QB and Jason Derulo pair up to represent Pakistan in FIFA World Cup anthem

Pakistan may not be present in the stadium fighting for the FIFA World Cup title but it has managed to score a spot in the World Cup anthem and our powerhouse Qurat-ul-Ain Baloch is representing it.The Pakistani vocalist has paired up with American singer Jason Derulo to add some Pakistani whiff to Derulo’s World Cup anthem called “Colours.” Taking to Twitter, QB posted her version of the song alongside the famed American singer.The multi-hued music video originally released in April this year, adds Pakistani colours to the anthem with desi specks including dhol and Punjabi dancers swaying to her powerful vocals with Derulo. Alongside the cultural touch, the video is also showcasing the country’s captains of both the men and women football teams, Kaleemullah Khan and Hajra Khan in conjunction with shots from street football games.The dynamic and electrifying video comes as a treat for football fans in Pakistan who have waited to watch their country’s being represented on the international FIFA pedestal.

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Our doors are open for Zaeem Qadri: PTI

LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Aleem Khan has welcomed Zaeem Qadri’s decision to revolt against former chief minister Shehbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Shehbaz. "Zaeem Qadri is the first drop of rain, which has exposed the real face of the Nawaz league,” Khan told media persons shortly after Qadri announced that he would run as an independent candidate form Lahore after being overlooked for election ticket by his party.“We would welcome Qadri should he wished to join the PTI. Our doors are open for him,” he offered. "Situation tells us that more PML-N members will walk away from the party in the days to come," he said.Disgruntled PML-N leader Zaeem Qadri has announced that he will contest general elections 2018 as an independent candidate.Zaeem Qadri made this shocking announcement during a press conference after party leadership refused to give him ticket for National Assembly seat.Zaeem Qadri said he would contest elections from NA-133 in independent capacity.He also lashed out at Shahbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Shahbaz, saying “Lahore is not their personal property.”

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PIA?s all-female crew receives acclaim

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has managed to delight netizens for once by appointing an all-female crew on a ‘challenging’ flight to Gilgit.The national flag carrier of Pakistan had taken to Twitter to appreciate the two female pilots that flew the aircraft into Gilgit, along with a picture attached of the two exhibiting high spirits. “The flight to Gilgit is very challenging and requires a lot of precision and technique. Our dynamic duo, Captain Maryam Masood and First Officer Shumaila Mazhar make it look so easy as they fly through the mountains celebrating the beauty of our northern areas! Way to go!! #PIA,” the tweet read.Talking to Geo.tv First Officer Shumaila Mazhar affirmed that Captain Maryam Masood along with her all-female crew flew the PIA aircraft on Wednesday from Islamabad to Gilgit.Captain Maryam also revealed to the media outlet that it is frequent custom for PIA flights to be functioned by an all-female crew.  

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Erasure of advertisements from walls built for defense purpose in Karachi, orders SC

KARACHI: The Supreme Court ordered removal of advertisements from walls constructed as security measures, here on Thursday.A CJP-led bench concluded a hearing on an appeal in regards to the building of walls with advertisements at the Supreme Court Karachi Registry subsequent to hearing out Karachi Cantonment Board and Outdoors Advertisers Association spokesmen. Officials from the Cantonment Board apprised the court that as per their orders, majority of the walls with advertisements on them have been taken down as well as those constructed inside the confines of Fasial Cantt. The Outdoors Advertisers Association officials also briefed the court that a total of Rs15 billion had been spent on advertisements and a method evading the losses should be carried out instead. In response to this, Chief Justice Saqib Nisar remarked that the city had faced ruination due to their constructed boards and poles.The top judge had also responded stating “You are responsible for your losses. Try another business.”Apart from that, the bench had also issued a ruling on removal of advertisements from walls constructed for defense measures, as well as the pulling down of walls built for point of displaying advertisements around the metropolis.

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Imran Khan, Zardari, Maryam Nawaz amongst 2,700 electoral candidates facing charges

ISLAMABAD: Over 2,700 candidates in the run for general elections 2018 are facing charges over an assortment of cases.Sources have revealed that around 401 candidates from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have been found face to face with multiple charges. This includes 588 ticket holders of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), 485 from Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), 135 candidates hailing from Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), 122 members of Pakistan Sarzameen Party (PSP).Prominent political leaders include co-chairman of PPP Asif Ali Zardari who is encountering a trial for assets ahead of sources of income. PTI chief Imran Khan is also facing a probe by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for terrorism charges for the alleged strike at the PTV building during the Islamabad sit-in in 2014, as well as for unlawfully using a KP government helicopter.Former Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also up against NAB inquires in numerous cases that include embezzlement worth billions of rupees as well. On the other hand, PML-N leaders Maryam Nawaz as well as Hamza Shehbaz are found ensnared in cases of corruption as well. Other distinguished leaders contesting for the upcoming general elections and facing charges alongside, include former prime minister  Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, PSP chairman Mustufa Kamal, MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar, ex-federal ministers Khawaja Saad Rafique and Khwaja Asif.Former premier General (retd) Pervez Musharraf is also in the list of politicians facing charges.As per reports by the sources these candidates are majorly facing cases for corruption, money laundering, extortion, rape and murder charges, human smuggling and loan/bank defaulting.

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Pakistan Navy provides assistance to Iranian boat at open sea

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy helicopter provided assistance to stranded Iranian Dhow in North Arabian Sea (NAS) 101 NM (187 KM) off Ormara.Upon receipt of information about distressed Dhow 'Al Naeemi' bearing flag of Islamic Republic of Iran with 13 crew members (Fishermen) onboard, Pakistan Navy promptly responded and launched search and rescue operation. After rigorous search efforts in prevailing rough sea conditions at open sea, the stranded dhow was located. The boat crew was dehydrated and also required medical care and edibles. Pakistan Navy rescue team onboard helicopter provided edibles and medicines to the crew members of the Iranian fishing dhow. Besides safeguarding maritime interests of Pakistan, Pakistan Navy has always been at the forefront to provide Humanitarian Assistance at sea.

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Disgruntled PMLN leader Zaeem Qadri to contest elections as independent candidate

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) disgruntled leader Zaeem Qadri has announced to contest general elections 2018 as an independent candidate.Zaeem Qadri made this shocking announcement during a press conference after party leadership refused to give him ticket for National Assembly seat.Zaeem Qadri said he would contest elections from NA-133 in independent capacity.He also lashed out at Shahbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Shahbaz, saying “Lahore is not their personal property.”

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