PAKISTAN NEWS - The Pakistan Times

Kidney Failure & NCDs Skyrocket, PANAH Demands higher taxes on sugary drinks.

13Mar

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Kidney Failure & NCDs Skyrocket, PANAH Demands higher taxes on sugary drinks.

13 March 2025,Islamabad(Ghufran): PANAH Calls for Urgent policy action against Sugary Drinks to Curb Rising NCDs and Kidney Diseases on world kidney day.On the occasion of World Kidney Day, Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) is raising alarm over the devastating health crisis fueled by excessive consumption of sugary drinks in Pakistan. The increasing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and kidney disorders has reached an alarming level in Pakistan. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs account for 60% of all deaths in Pakistan, with diabetes alone affecting over 33 million Pakistanis. Research indicates that excessive sugar intake, primarily from sugary drinks, is a leading cause of chronic Kidney dis...

ISSI hosts Seminar on “China in Spring: China’s Opportunities, Shared by the World” in collaboration with China Media Group

12Mar

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ISSI hosts Seminar on “China in Spring: China’s Opportunities, Shared by the World” in collaboration with China Media Group

Wednesday 12th March, 2025 (Kamran Raja): China Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) in collaboration with China Media Group (CMG) organised a seminar titled “China in Spring: China’s Opportunities, Shared by the World.” The event highlighted China's recently concluded Two Sessions, which set the course for the country’s governance, economic growth, and global engagement.DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood welcomed dignitaries to the ISSI-CMG seminar, acknowledging the presence of Ambassador Jiang Zaidong. He highlighted the significance of China’s ‘Two Sessions,’ particularly in shaping economic policies, advancing high-tech industries, and setting a 5% GDP growth target for 2025. He noted Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s reaffirmation of China’s...

PTA and FIA Conduct Joint Raids Against Illegal Pre-Active Foreign SIM Sellers in Gilgit

12Mar

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PTA and FIA Conduct Joint Raids Against Illegal Pre-Active Foreign SIM Sellers in Gilgit

Islamabad, March 12, 2025(Kamran Raja): The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Zonal Office Gilgit, in collaboration with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing, conducted a successful operation against the illegal sale of international SIM cards. The targeted raid took place in Danyore, Gilgit, leading to the recovery of six UK SIM cards and the arrest of two individuals involved in the illicit trade.The FIA has initiated a thorough investigation to dismantle the broader network facilitating the illegal distribution of foreign SIM cards. This operation is part of PTA’s ongoing commitment to curbing unauthorized SIM sales, which pose significant security risks.PTA urges the public to report any such illegal activities to help maintain a secure and regulated...

United Nations Resident Coordinator calls on Finance Minister

11Mar

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United Nations Resident Coordinator calls on Finance Minister

Islamabad, March 11, 2025 (Kamran Raja): Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, held today an important meeting at the Finance Division with Mr. Mohammed Yahya, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, who was accompanied by Mr. Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF Representative. The meeting provided a platform for discussions on key issues including debt management, debt restructuring, climate financing, sustainable development goals (SDGs), and Pakistan's transition to green energy. Ms. Afke Bootsman, Head of UN Resident Coordinator Office and Dr. Luay Shabaneh, UNFPA Representative were also present along with senior officers from the Finance Division. During the meeting, the Minister emphasized that Pakistan faces two major existential challenges: climate change and p...

President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Address to the Joint Session of Parliament At the beginning of the 2nd Parliamentary Year Islamabad

10Mar

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President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Address to the Joint Session of Parliament At the beginning of the 2nd Parliamentary Year Islamabad

Parliament House Islamabad,10 March 2025(Kamran Raja): Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Raheem• Chairman Senate, Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani, • Speaker of the National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, • Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, • Members of the Parliament, • Distinguished Guests, • Ladies and Gentlemen, • Assalam-o-Alaikum! It is my singular privilege as your civilian president to address for the 8th time this August House at the beginning of another Parliamentary Year. This moment marks not only the continuation of our democratic journey but also provides us with an opportunity to review our progress and reaffirm our commitment to building a better future for Pakistan.As we embark on this new parliamentary year, I urge this House to focus on promoting good govern...

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan calls on the Prime Minister

7Mar

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Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan calls on the Prime Minister

7 March 2025, Islamabad(Kamran Raja): Amb. Jiang Zaidong, Ambassador of China, paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister today. During the course of the meeting the latter conveyed his warm greetings and good wishes to President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. He also congratulated the Chinese leadership and nation, on the successful convening of the “Two Sessions” of the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.While expressing his satisfaction over the positive trajectory of Pakistan-China bilateral strategic relations, as manifested by the successful visit of President Asif Ali Zardari to Beijing last month, the Prime Minister thanked China for its longstanding and steadfast support to Pakistan on all its core issues. He also reaffirmed...

IMF should also pay attention to Pakistan’s health policy for the improvement of Pakistan’s economy

7Mar

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IMF should also pay attention to Pakistan’s health policy for the improvement of Pakistan’s economy

7 March 2025(Kamran Raja): Non-communicable diseases are becoming the cause of Pakistan’s economic and social decline. Non-communicable diseases can be controlled by imposing taxes on ultra-processed products. Secretary General PANAH Sanaullah GhummanNon-communicable diseases (NCDs) are not only the biggest cause of death in Pakistan but also a huge burden on Pakistan’s economy. If they are not controlled, the economic deterioration will increase day by day along with the loss of very useful people in Pakistan and we will continue to use the loans taken from other places including IMF only on these diseases and the debt burden on Pakistan will increase further, which will further increase poverty in the country and further increase the suffering of the people. To stop the flood of NCDs...

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), visited Bannu: ISPR

7Mar

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Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), visited Bannu: ISPR

06 March 2025, Banuu (Arslan Raja): Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), visited Bannu today, following the foiled terrorist attack on Bannu Cantonment by Khwarij on 4 March 2025. During the visit, the COAS was briefed on ongoing operations and the overall security situation of the area. He also visited Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Bannu to inquire about the health and well-being of the injured soldiers, acknowledging their resilience and unwavering dedication. The COAS commended the high morale and steadfast resolve of the troops, reaffirming that Pakistan Army would continue to serve as a bulwark against terrorism to ensure the security and stability of the state.The COAS expressed profound condolences to the families of innocent civilians who lost their li...

Standing Committee on Communications held its eighth meeting

6Mar

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Standing Committee on Communications held its eighth meeting

Islamabad,06th March, 2025(Kamran Raja): The Standing Committee on Communications held its eighth meeting today on Thursday the 06th March, 2025 at 02:00 pm in the Committee Room No.7 of the Parliament House, Islamabad under the Chairmanship of Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani, MNA.In line with Sub-Rules (6) and (7) of Rule 201 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007, the Committee reviewed the PSDP schemes for the upcoming financial year 2025-26. The Ministry of Communications informed that the preparation process is currently underway, following the PSDP formulation guidelines issued by the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives on January 29, 2025.The Committee expressed dissatisfaction, emphasizing that despite repeated recomme...

Weekly Press Briefing by the Spokesperson Ministry of Foreign Affairs

6Mar

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Weekly Press Briefing by the Spokesperson Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Thursday, 6th March 2025 (Kamran Raja): The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, received a call from the US National Security Advisor, Michael Waltz on 4th March 2025. The NSA conveyed President Trump's appreciation and thanks for the Government of Pakistan's efforts in countering terrorism. The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister congratulated the NSA on his assumption of office and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to continue its cooperation with the US in the field of counter-terrorism. He also appreciated President Trump's announcement to withdraw the US military equipment left behind in Afghanistan.DPM/FM also received a telephone call from UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan who conveyed Ramada...