Month: June 2022

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TPL Trakker signs MoU with SNGPL for Fleet Management Solutions

Karachi, June 29, 2022 (PPI-OT):TPL Trakker Limited has recently partnered with Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) for fleet management solutions. SNGPL is the largest integrated gas company that serves over 7.22 million consumers in Pakistan through and extensive network in Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

As a result of this partnership, SNGPL will benefit from being able to better monitor and manage its transport network with an objective to streamline their fleet health, and safety of employees across Pakistan.

Commenting on the occasion, CEO of TPL Trakker, Sarwar Ali Khan said, “A great chunk of our population in North and Central Pakistan relies on SNGPL for the provision of natural gas for residential, commercial and industrial purposes. This partnership will ensure improved operational efficiency as well as cost optimization for SNGPL. We are firm believers of low-carbon-future and have successfully maintained transformative improvements for such large scale operations, by offering a robust set of solutions and services in actively responsive environments.”

TPL Trakker is revolutionizing various industries across Pakistan through a vibrant array of Tracking, Digital Mapping and IoT services that enhance operational capabilities for government and private organizations.

For more information, contact:
Corporate Office,
TPL Trakker Limited
11th and 12th Floor, Centrepoint,
Off Shaheed-e-Millat Expressway,
Adjacent KPT Interchange, Karachi, Pakistan
Postal Code: 74900
Phone: +92-21-34390300
UAN: +92-21-111-000-300
Fax: +92-21-34529429
Email: infotrakker@tplholdings.com
Website: www.tpltrakker.com

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OICCI and ICBC Pakistan held Webinar on RMB: Development, Infrastructure and Products

Karachi, June 29, 2022 (PPI-OT):OICCI in collaboration with ICBC Pakistan, arranged a webinar on RMB: Development, Infrastructure and Products, with an objective to facilitate local markets understanding and utilization of RMB, and the products offered by ICBC Pakistan in this regard as since March 1, 2022, People’s Bank of China allowed Chinese Commercial Banks in China directly lend to overseas entities. M Abdul Aleem CE / Secretary general OICCI, in his opening address, welcomed the participants and appreciated the ICBC engagement with leading investors on this important matter which is going to be useful for investors.

Mr. Sohaib, Co-head of Treasury department, Ms. Michael, Head of Corporate Business Department, and Mr. Robert, Head of Banking Department informed audience about the RMB development and prospective, opportunity for infrastructure building and new RMB products in Pakistan. Mr. Chen Yuncheng, the CEO of ICBC Karachi Branch, speaking at the event, emphasized the necessity of cross-border RMB business promotion and benefits to use RMB as one of the currencies for trade and investment. ICBC, the largest commercial bank in the world, is providing financial services in Pakistan for over 10 years. The Bank put CIPS (cross-border interbank RMB payment system) into operation in 2021.

The participants appreciated that increasing use of RMB products will facilitate trade and investment with Chinese counter parties as it is relatively stable in value, convenient in clearing and low in cost. They thanked OICCI and ICBC for the informative session.

For more information, contact:
Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI)
Chamber of Commerce Building, Talpur Road, P.O. Box 4833,
Karachi – 74000, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-32410814-5
Fax: +92-21-32427315
Email: info@oicci.org
Website: http://oicci.org/

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China’s Yang Jiechi calls on PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Mr Yang Jiechi, Member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Director of its Foreign Affairs Commission, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Wednesday.

At the head of a high-level delegation, Director Yang is paying a visit to Pakistan on 29 and 30 June 2022. On arrival in Islamabad, Mr Yang was received by Syed Tariq Fatemi and Zafaruddin Mahmood, Special Assistants to the Prime Minister, and Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, Additional Secretary, and other officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Director Yang Jiechi is accompanied by Vice Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Commerce, Vice Chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) and Deputy Secretary General of China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).

Extending a warm welcome to Director Yang, the Prime Minister conveyed the most cordial greetings and best wishes for President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang. The Prime Minister noted that Director Yang’s visit marked the continuation of high-level exchanges between Pakistan and China, which are the hallmark of the time-tested All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership between the two countries.

The Prime Minister recalled his extensive conversation with Premier Li Keqiang in May 2022, during which both leaders had reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and exchanged views on the regional and international situation.

The Prime Minister underscored the significance of Director Yang’s visit for accelerating the implementation of the leaders’ consensus on further enhancing bilateral relations across all domains.

Shehbaz highlighted that economic cooperation had become a mainstay of the wide-ranging Pakistan-China partnership. He expressed satisfaction at growing bilateral trade and financial linkages, with China’s unstinting support playing an invaluable role in helping Pakistan offset external shocks to the global economy and demonstrating the continued resilience of Pakistan-China cooperation at a time of heightened uncertainty on the world stage.

The Prime Minister particularly thanked China for renewal of the RMB 15 billion (US $ 2.3 billion) syndicate facility. He also thanked China for its support and assistance to Pakistan’s efforts towards preventing the spread of COVID-19 pandemic by providing millions of vaccine doses as well as protective and medical equipment. The Prime Minister underlined that as a flagship of the visionary Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), CPEC had transformed Pakistan’s economic base and strengthened capacity for self-development.

He reaffirmed the Government’s resolve to accelerate the pace and complete CPEC projects at the earliest. The Prime Minister also underscored the high importance Pakistan attached to the strategic ML-I and other key projects including Karachi Circular Railway (KCR), Babusar Tunnel, and desalinization plant in Karachi. The Prime Minister said Pakistan stood ready to work closely with China for realizing both countries’ shared vision of connectivity, prosperity and public well-being. Pakistan would also continue to support Chinese investors with competitive incentives, access to high-quality infrastructure and unwavering security arrangements.

CPEC and growing economic linkages had deepened the roots of the abiding friendship between the peoples of both countries, the Prime Minister noted. Atop this unshakeable foundation, the Pakistan-China partnership would continue to play its valuable role as a factor of peace and stability in the region and beyond.

Shehbaz reiterated his strong condemnation of the Karachi terrorist attack and underscored Pakistan’s determination to bring the perpetrators to justice. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to enhanced measures for safety, security and protection of the Chinese nationals, projects and institutions in the country.

Recalling the recent visit of tri-services delegation to China led by the Chief of Army Staff, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction at the expanding defence and security cooperation between Pakistan and China which was contributing to regional peace and stability. While emphasizing the need for enhanced people-to-people contacts, he thanked China for facilitating return of Pakistani students to resume their on-campus studies, and expressed hope that the remaining students would be able to return soon.

The Prime Minister also appreciated Chinese decision for the resumption of PIA flights to China and increasing the frequency of weekly flights. Exchanging views on international issues of mutual interest, the Prime Minister highlighted the adverse impact of India’s unabated repression and gross violations of human rights in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The Prime Minister thanked China for its principled stance and steadfast support on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. The Prime Minister and Director Yang also exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan including the humanitarian and economic crises.

The need for international cooperation and unfreezing of assets to avert humanitarian catastrophe and ease the misery of the Afghan people was underscored. Following the meeting, the Prime Minister hosted a banquet in honour of Director Yang and his accompanying delegation.

During the visit, the two sides concluded following Protocols/MoUs: MoU on terms of reference/scope of works of G2G joint technical working group for realignment of Karakoram Highway from Thakot to Raikot. Protocol on the sanitary and phytosanitary requirements for Rhodes Grass exported from Pakistan to China.

Protocol on Quarantine and Health Requirements for Buffalo Embryos to be exported from Pakistan to China. Acceptance Letter of 3000 sets of solar home system. The Chinese side announced the roll-over of $2 billion SAFE deposits.

It was also conveyed that China would export 200,000 MT of urea fertilizer to Pakistan. Reiterating cordial invitation to President Xi Jinping, the Prime Minister stated that the people of Pakistan were looking forward to welcoming President Xi on his next state visit to Pakistan at the earliest.

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Administrator presents KMC budget with a total outlay of over Rs32.21bn

KARACHI: Administrator Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab on Wednesday presented the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation’s budget of over Rs32.21 billion for the financial year 2022-23 with a Rs16.12 million surplus.

The administrator presented the budget at a press briefing here at Khaliq Dina Hall. The total receipts in the budget was Rs32.21 billion while the total expenditure was estimated at Rs32.19 billion.

Municipal Commissioner Afzal Zaidi, Finance Advisor Ghulam Murtaza Bhutto, Director Budget Nasir Mahmood Ishaq, Senior Director HRM Imtiaz Abro, Senior Director Media Management Ali Hassan Sajid and other officers were also present during presentation of the budget.

According to the budget book, total receipts were expected to be Rs32.212 billion, including current receipts of Rs26.61 billion, capital receipts of Rs0.5 billion and District ADP Funds of Rs5 billion.

The grant from the Sindh government, including OZD share, would be Rs18.6 billion and in terms of current and arrears from the provincial government in the head of entertainment tax, Rs200 million were expected to be transferred to the KMC. Liabilities of Rs1.85 billion on K-Electric were also expected to be given to the KMC.

Similarly, Rs1477.613 million revenue is expected from land enforcement, estate, katchi abadis, PD Orangi and Charged Parking. The total expenditures were estimated at Rs32.195. In terms of repair and maintenance, Rs271.38 million were earmarked while development projects are estimated at Rs2.72 billion.

In the budget for the next financial year, Rs8677.48 million had been allocated for pension fund, miscellaneous expenses and bailout package. Similarly, Rs 5756.25 million were fixed for medical and health services; Rs3943.03 million for municipal services; and Rs2079.01 million for engineering department.

Rs1422.005 million had been earmarked for land enforcement, estate, katchi abadi, PD Orangi and Charged Parking.

Rs1184.42 million were fixed for Parks and Horticulture Department; Rs 973.45 million for Culture, Sports and Recreation; Rs898.49 million for Finance and Accounts (MUCT); Rs184.23 million for Law Department; and Rs 888.58 million for CLICK project.

In the budget for the financial year 2022-23, Rs500 million were allocated for development works including improvement of roads, sidewalks, sewerage line, bridges and intersections. Similarly, Rs.250 million were earmarked for management of street lights on major roads, Rs.172 million for improvement of infrastructure.

An amount of Rs115.68 million was set aside for purchase of ventilators and other medical devices in KMC hospitals; Rs100 million for development of KMC parks, Rs 85 million for improvement of Karachi Zoo, Safari Park and purchase of new animals.

The KMC had also allocated Rs80 million for tree planting on major roads. The administrator Karachi said that no new tax was imposed in the budget. He said that the people’s government of Pakistan Peoples Party did not make mere verbal claims or false promises but believed in real service.

“The PPP is striving to serve the citizens as per the pragmatic vision of Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari,” he added. Wahab said that the solar energy park at Kidney Hill would be operational by the end of July to deal with the energy crisis, which would generate 365,000 units of electricity to illuminate street lights in the city.

He said that efforts were being made to improve KMC’s revenue system so that the next mayor does not have to face the unavailability of funds. He said that ADP funds were being utilized for the city improvement, adding that KMC land records had been computerized for the first time.

“My goal is that whoever is the mayor or Administrator should do a better job, this is our city and we need to move forward,” he added. The administrator said that renovation of 20 more parks in different areas will be completed in the next three months.

“We have built a park in Clifton Cantonment but the fee is being collected by the cantonment itself. To solve these problems, there should be a centralized revenue authority in the city,” said. Wahab and added that Karachi Zoo and Safari Park had been improved and it had increased the revenue of KMC.

He said that the fire brigade had been connected to 1122 emergency system, adding that in the next phase, 15 helpline would also be connected in a few days. It will modernize the emergency system.

Earlier, comparison and other details between KMC’s budget for the last and the next financial years were given through slides presentation.

Meanwhile, Municipal Commissioner Afzal Zaidi while referring to the preparation of the budget said that this year the focus had been on further improving the recovery targets.

He said that in terms of development work, the target had been achieved 100 percent. “Efforts are being made to make further improvements next year,” the Municipal Commissioner said.

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Five-day rain spell likely to start from Thursday; Flooding, landslides feared

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) today warned that a five-day rain spell is likely to start from Thursday and may generate flooding in urban areas and trigger land sliding in hilly areas of the country.

Director General PMD Mehar Sahibzada Khan has said heavy falls would generate urban flooding in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Faisalabad from July 2 till 4 and in Karachi and Hyderabad from 3rd to 5th of the next month.

He said fishermen are advised to remain careful due to rough sea conditions from 3rd to 5th of next month. DG Met further informed that flash flooding is also expected in local nullahs of Kashmir, Khuzdar, Lasbella, Naseerabad, Awaran, Barkhan and Kohlu during the forecast period. He warned that heavy rainfall may trigger landslides in Kashmir, Galiyat and Murree.

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SHC extends stay against Aamir Liaquat’s postmortem

KARACHI: Sindh High Court on Wednesday extended its earlier restraining order against the exhumation and postmortem of former TV host and Member National Assembly (MNA) Aamir Liaquat’s body.

The two-judge bench, headed by Justice Muhammad Junaid Ghaffar, heard the plea and extended a stay order on the postmortem of the late politician till July 19. Meanwhile, the petitioner Abdul Ahad did not appear before the court in the hearing.

The family of Aamir Liaquat Hussain had approached SHC to reverse a decision of a judicial magistrate for exhumation and autopsy, terming it an un-Islamic act and without the consent of the family.

On June 22, the SHC suspended the order of a local court directing the postmortem of Dr Aamir Liaquat Hussain. The petition was filed by Aamir Liaquat’s son and daughter requesting the court to stop the exhumation and postmortem which was to be conducted on June 23.

On June 20, judicial magistrate in Karachi ordered the formation of a medical board for the post-mortem examination of former TV host and politician Aamir Liaquat Hussain.

Judicial Magistrate East Wazeer Hussain Memon had written a letter to the provincial health secretary to constitute a medical board and fix a date for the exhumation of the body.

Aamir Liaquat Hussain, also a PTI MNA from a Karachi constituency, was found unconscious at his house situated in Khudadad Colony of the metropolis. The 50-year-old was rushed to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

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Thefts increasing in Bhutto leader’s hometown

NAUNDERO: The incidents of thefts have once again surfaced in the hometown of Bhutto leaders and politically supported influential cops have completely failed to curb the increasing rate of crimes, lawlessness and arrest the accused.

According to details, last night, locks of Niaz Lakho, residing near Bhutto House, were cut and thieves stole his three tola gold, Rs50,000 cash, two batteries, solar plates, UPS and charger.

In another incident, the hotel of Abdul Hameed Khuhro was burgled near Sugar Mill and he was deprived of LCD TV, solar plates, batteries and other costly material. Footprints were followed with the help of sniffing dogs which led to a nearby Bajhi Gopang village but instead of recovering the stolen material police did nothing and returned empty handed.

In other incidents, thieves third time stole the water motor of Abdullah Katpar from Dahesar Colony and motorcycles of Javed Katpar and Aijaz Kumbhar were stolen which were parked outside their homes.

The residents have expressed their dissatisfaction and anger against police working as recovery of more than 10 thefts previously occurred have neither yet been traced nor looted goods have been recovered which is vivid proof of police failure to maintain peace. They said that thieves are roaming openly in the town but the influential cops are not taking any action against the criminals which means they are more powerful than cops.

The citizens have urged the IGP Sindh, DIGP and SSP Larkana to take notice of negligent Naundero police’s failure to curb crimes, recover stolen goods, arrest criminals and ensure maintenance of peace and tranquility which is their prime duty.