Pakistan News Express

The 4th T20 international of five-match series between Pakistan and New Zealand will be played at Lahore today.

The match will start at 7:30 pm on Thursday.

The series is levelled at 1-1.

The fifth and last match of the series will also be played at the same venue on Saturday.

Source: Radio Pakistan

A two-member delegation of Meta called on Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja in her office on Thursday.

Meta delegation comprised Dania Mukhtar, Head of Public Policy for Pakistan at Meta, and Taabeer Ather, Manager Public Policy for Pakistan.

The meeting discussed in detail the responsible use of social media platforms. The delegation briefed the minister about Meta’s working and different campaigns in Pakistan including the Digital Safety Campaign, Election Education Campaign, Anti-Scams Campaign, and Digital Literacy Program.

Khawaja appreciated the working of Meta and assured her full support to the company.

Source: Pro Pakistani

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved in principle fundamental reforms and reconstruction of the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC).

He gave this approval while chairing the third and final phase of a high-level meeting in Islamabad, focusing on the assessment of reforms in the power sector.

To ensure the implementation of these reforms and their effective execution, the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed a committee, which was tasked with finalizing recommendations and overseeing the application of reforms and restructuring.

In order to ensure the successful implementation of power sector reforms, the Prime Minister has also ordered to establish a cell at the Prime Minister’s Office in Islamabad, which will closely monitor the entire process.

The Prime Minister also sought a report regarding conversion of high-loss fans to energy-efficient fans, a project initiated during his previous tenure.

Additionally, the prime minister also ordered to chalk out a comprehensive strategy to
provide energy-efficient fans to low-income consumers. Efforts will be made to ensure the provision of electricity to industries at reduced rates to promote industrial growth and increase revenue.

The meeting resulted in significant decisions regarding the transmission system of electricity and the Distribution Companies (DISCOs).

The meeting extensively discussed various proposals regarding the issues and reforms of the National Transmission and Dispatch Company. Recommendations were also made regarding the current situation of the Distribution Companies, their losses, and outsourcing.

The meeting was briefed on tariff rationalization and informed about electricity rates provided to industries and domestic consumers. Various regulations were presented in the meeting, suggesting the use of electricity instead of gas for cooking purposes, among other uses.

Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the briefing and issued directives for the timely implementation of approved reforms.

The meeting was attended by Federal Mi
nisters Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ataullah Tarar, Sardar Owais Khan Leghari, Dr. Musadik Malik, Abdul Aleem Khan, former Minister of Power Muhammad Ali, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Jahangir Khan, Members of the National Assembly Bilal Azhar Kiani, Engineer Qamar ul Islam, Coordinator to the Minister Shahbaz Sharif Rana Ehsan Afzal, Chairman FBR, Chairman NEPRA, and other relevant high-ranking officials.

Source: Radio Pakistan

The Prime Minister has constituted a 7-member committee to allow the export of small packets of cigarettes.

Sources told ProPakistani that the Ministry of National Health Services, regulation, and coordination has notified a seven-member committee, which includes representatives of Law and Justice, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Industries and Production.

The term of reference of the committee includes reviewing the proposal to amend the prohibition of the sale of cigarettes to minor rules 2010 to allow the export of small packets of cigarettes, in addition, the Committee will also review international best practices and the scope of commitments under FCTC.

The committee will also give recommendations.

The Ministry of MHSRandC will provide secretariat support to the Committee, and the committee shall submit its report/recommendations within 3 days.

Earlier, it was reported that the Ministry of Health is not giving permission to Pakistan Tobacco Company for export of cigarettes in s
mall packets.

Source: Pro Pakistani

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has vowed to eradicate menace of smuggling and strengthen national economy.

He expressed these views during his visit to the residence of martyred Customs Inspector Syed Hasnain Ali Tirmizi in Abbottabad today [Thursday].

Shehbaz Sharif said the nation’s billions of dollars will be saved and spent on the progress and prosperity of the country.

He said interior ministry has been asked to coordinate closely with the provincial governments to eliminate the smuggling.

The Prime Minister also reaffirmed his commitment to make the country abode of peace.

He said the security forces and law enforcement agencies are rendering unprecedented sacrifices for the better future of coming generations.

The Prime Minister said the nation greatly values the sacrifices of these brave personnel and officers.

On the occasion, the Prime Minister accompanied by Federal Ministers Attaullah Tarar and Amir Muqam offered fateha for the martyr and presented a cheque to the father of the mart
yr under Shuhada package.

He was appreciative of Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir for the support extended by Pakistan Army to deal with this menace.

The Prime Minister paid tributes to Shaheed Customs Inspector Syed Hasnain Ali Tirmizi saying his sacrifice will not go in waste.

He said Syed Hasnain Ali Tirmizi is hero of the nation and his sacrifice will always be remembered.

Announcing the Shuhuda package, Shehbaz Sharif said under this package, those in the rank of sepoy will be provided with a cash prize of ten million rupees along with 13. 5 million rupees for home.

For the rank of Inspector, he said that cash grant of 15 million rupees will be provided to the bereaved family while 25 million rupees for home.

He said free education and health services will also be provided to the family of the martyrs.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Two new five-star hotels are on the horizon for the federal capital, as the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has submitted a summary seeking the federal cabinet’s approval for their construction in Sector F-5.

According to sources within the Interior Ministry, the summary was drafted by the CDA following a decision made during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday.

They further stated that the civic agency would prepare three frameworks for consideration, which would be presented to the cabinet for selection.

The summary was forwarded through the Interior Ministry for further submission to the federal cabinet. Furthermore, the CDA was instructed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the advantages and drawbacks of each framework, enabling the executive to select the most suitable model.

Sources added that three options would be presented to the federal cabinet: freehold rights, public-private partnership mode, and leasehold rights.

They also highlighted the urgent requirement
for new luxury hotels in Islamabad, as only 4,000 rooms per night are available in the federal capital, while the demand exceeds 8,000 rooms.

Sources revealed that Plot No. 6, located near the Pakistan National Arts Council (PNCA) and measuring 4.51 acres, along with Plot No. 8 measuring 3.73 acres (situated at the backside of the Marriot Hotel), have a combined value of Rs. 20 billion.

The proximity of both plots to the Diplomatic Enclave enhances their suitability for luxury hotel development, perfectly meeting the requirements of diplomats and esteemed visitors.

It is pertinent to mention that the CDA made several attempts to auction the mentioned plots without success, as the approval of the cabinet was required to proceed with the auction. Last year, one of the plots was included in the auction list, but it had to be withdrawn at the last minute due to the lack of consultation with the cabinet.

This time, both the CDA and the federal government are in agreement regarding these plots. Insider sources
suggest that there is a possibility of foreign investment in this project, with Saudi Arabia being a potential investor. The Saudi government reportedly plans to inject up to $5 billion into the national economy.

Source: Pro Pakistani

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed government’s commitment to empower the youth with modern knowledge and vocational training to make them a valuable asset for the country.

He was addressing ‘Girls in ICT’ event held in Islamabad today in connection with International Day of Information and Communication Technology for Girls.

The Prime Minister said technology will lead us to a bright future and we will promote young entrepreneurs so they can show their skills internationally and earn the much needed foreign reserves for the country.

Shehbaz Sharif appreciated that a large number of females are associated with tech related fields.

Earlier, Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja highlighted different polices and initiatives of the government for the betterment of youth especially in the IT sector.

She said government is focused on facilitating the young freelancers and innovators to enable them grow their businesses and give them international access.

On the occasion,
the Prime Minister distributed commendation certificates among women and girls for their services in IT sector.

Source: Radio Pakistan

According to a recent study, Germany has emerged as the top choice for foreign workers seeking employment opportunities outside of English-speaking countries.

Berlin, in particular, stands out as one of the most popular destinations among them.

Germany secured the top position among non-English-speaking nations in a ranking of the most desirable countries for employment, as revealed in a report published on Wednesday.

According to the market study ‘Decoding Global Talent,’ Germany was ranked fifth among the most preferred destinations for workers, with primarily English-speaking countries dominating the top four spots.

Australia has emerged as the new international leader this year, surpassing both the United States and Canada, the top-rated country in the 2020 ranking. Meanwhile, Germany lost its fourth-place position to the United Kingdom in this year’s study, yet it maintains its status as the most preferred non-English-speaking country.

Among those surveyed, Germany stood out as an appealing destinat
ion country for respondents from Bosnia and Herzegovina (32%), Turkey (30%), as well as Pakistan and Hungary (both 26%).

The study, conducted last December, revealed that approximately a quarter of individuals worldwide (23%) were actively seeking employment opportunities outside their home country. However, the percentage of people willing to consider working abroad currently stands at 63%, slightly lower than the 66% recorded in 2020 and significantly below the 78% reported in 2018.

In Germany, the survey revealed a significantly lower interest in seeking employment opportunities abroad. Less than half of the respondents expressed a willingness to work in another country, with just under 7% actively pursuing job opportunities elsewhere.

Among German respondents, the most favored destinations were Switzerland and Austria, followed by the United States and Spain. Reasons cited for reluctance to relocate included emotional ties to Germany, concerns about security, language barriers, and a lack of informatio
n about the emigration process.

Why Do People Prefer Germany?

According to the global study, people are primarily drawn to Germany by the specific job opportunities rather than any particular advantages of the country itself.

This trend is also observed in Germany, where job quality was cited as the main reason for almost three-quarters of those surveyed who had relocated to the country.

Following job quality, other factors that attract people to Germany include security (49%), monetary considerations (48%), innovation potential (36%), and the German healthcare system (34%).

Furthermore, among job seekers, 77% expected significant assistance from their future employers with the immigration process, including visa and work permit applications.

‘It is a huge opportunity that so many people want to move to Germany for a good job. Politics and business should work together even more closely to jointly promote more flexible and faster integration into the labor market,’ said Stepstone Group labor market expe
rt Tobias Zimmermann, a co-author of the study.

Most Attractive Cities

In the latest ranking of the world’s most popular cities, London retained its top position, followed by Amsterdam, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and New York. Berlin secured the 6th spot, while Frankfurt am Main made its debut on the list, ranking 40th, followed by Munich in 41st place.

The study, published on Wednesday, was conducted by the management consultancy firm Boston Consulting Group, the Stepstone recruitment platform, and the recruitment agency umbrella group The Network. A total of 150,735 participants from 188 countries took part in the survey, including 14,000 individuals from Germany.

Source: Pro Pakistani