KPCTA and ETEA Sign MoU to Ensure Transparency in Recruitment
KPCTA ETEA MoU
2025
Subrayen Reported for Suspect Bowling Action
Subrayen reported for suspect bowling action
Construction Begins on China-Contracted Mieso–Dire Dawa Expressway in Eastern Ethiopia
Lead (Dateline & Overview) ADDIS ABABA, August 20, 2025 — Construction has officially commenced on the Mieso–Dire Dawa Expressway, a major infrastructure project within Ethiopia’s Ethio–Djibouti Transport Corridor. The project was inaugurated in Dire Dawa on Tuesday, marking a significant step toward improving regional connectivity and modernizing transportation networks. Project Scope & Strategic Importance The expressway spans 144 km, with construction to be completed in two phases over 48 months under a joint contract by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and Sichuan Road and Bridge Group. Objectives & Design Impact Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh emphasized during the ceremony that roads are “critical driving forces for socioeconomic development,” especially given that over 90% of goods and people move by road in Ethiopia. The expressway will connect the Oromia and Somali regions to Dire Dawa, enhancing economic, social, and political integration between these areas. Local Workforce & Skills Transfer CCECC’s general manager, Chen Sichang, noted that 75% of the workers will be recruited locally. Moreover, a mentorship and training program led by Chinese engineers will help equip Ethiopian professionals with advanced international engineering skills. Regional Connectivity & Development Goals The Mieso–Dire Dawa Expressway forms a vital part of the Ethio–Djibouti Transport Corridor—a project essential to reducing travel times to ports and boosting economic activity. The Ethiopian Roads Administration highlighted its role in achieving the national goal of one-day travel from regional capitals to ports.
NA Speaker and Deputy Speaker Pay Tribute to Rashid Minhas Shaheed on Martyrdom Anniversary
Lead (Dateline & Summary) ISLAMABAD, August 20, 2025 — National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah paid heartfelt tribute today to Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed on his 54th martyrdom anniversary, calling him a national hero whose sacrifice for Pakistan’s honor and dignity remains unforgettable . Key Messages from Speakers Context & Significance Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas remains Pakistan’s youngest recipient of the Nishan-e-Haider, having sacrificed his life to avert a national security threat—an enduring symbol of patriotism and valor . ( )
NDMA Hands Over Vital Relief Supplies to Swat Administration for Flood Victims
Lead (Dateline & Summary) SWAT, August 19, 2025 — The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) delivered essential relief supplies to the Swat district administration to assist families affected by the recent floods and rain-induced disasters. Relief Items & Distribution Coordination NDMA’s shipment to Swat included crucial aid materials such as tents, blankets, 7 kVA generators, dewatering pumps, ration bags, and medicines, as confirmed in official relief briefings . The supplies will be distributed to affected households under the supervision of district authorities, ensuring timely support reaches flood victims. Broader Relief Efforts Across KP This Swat consignment is part of a larger scale operation. NDMA is actively coordinating with the Pakistan Armed Forces and various welfare organizations to ensure relief goods are dispatched across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan . These efforts are aligned with directives from the Prime Minister to accelerate and widen the relief response . Quick Relief Summary Consignment includes: Tents, blankets, generators, pumps, food, medicine Distribution oversight: Swat district administration Collaborators: NDMA, armed forces, welfare agencies
PFA Discards 550 Litres of Adulterated Milk in Multan Operation
MULTAN, August 17, 2025 — In a recent food safety crackdown, the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) seized and discarded 550 litres of adulterated milk, along with 40 kilograms of whey powder, during a raid on an unlicensed milk-manufacturing unit near Barah Meel in Khanewal. The factory was immediately sealed, and an FIR filed against the owners, officials confirmed. Meanwhile, in a separate operation at the Sutlej Toll Plaza in Lodhran, the PFA confiscated sick poultry unfit for human consumption and disposed of it on the spot. The supplier was fined Rs 40,000 for breaching food safety standards. Background & Enforcement Actions The illicit milk manufacturer was using whey powder to replicate milk, a tactic PFA labeled as a public health hazard. According to DG Asim Javed, such unscrupulous operations will be met with strict legal action and zero tolerance. Citizens are urged to report suspicious food products via the PFA helpline (1223) to aid enforcement efforts. Quick Snapshot Adulterated Milk Discarded 550 litresWhey Powder Seized 40 kgPoultry Confiscated Sick/Unfit for consumptionFine Imposed Rs 40,000
Pakistan Seeks Stronger Trade Ties with US and UK: DPM
ISLAMABAD, August 19, 2025 — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan is actively pursuing improved relations and enhanced trade with both the United States and the United Kingdom during his current visit to London. Meetings on Bilateral & Regional Cooperation During an interview with state broadcaster PTV, the DPM highlighted bilateral discussions with UK officials, including the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. Topics covered included Afghanistan, Iran, trade, and economic issues. Pakistan aims to raise its current UK trade volume of $4 billion significantly. He also plans to meet with the Secretary General of the Commonwealth, emphasizing Pakistan’s active role within the Commonwealth community.Internal link placeholder: [Explore our coverage on Pakistan-Commonwealth engagement] Economic Outreach to the United States Senator Dar praised the EU’s lifting of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight ban, noting that flights to Manchester are set to resume in early September. He mentioned a productive meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, where discussions included regional matters, bilateral cooperation, and counterterrorism. He particularly appreciated the U.S.’s role in brokering the recent Pakistan–India ceasefire, recalling the event as a turning point in de-escalation. Pakistan had even nominated Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his mediation efforts. Highlights & Key Facts
Kazakhstan’s Annual CPI Holds at 11.8% in July
ASTANA, August 19, 2025 — Kazakhstan’s annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) remained steady at 11.8% in July, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics, matching June’s rate. Regional Price Trends Monthly Movement The monthly CPI rose by 0.7% in July, slightly lower than June’s 0.8% increase, indicating a modest cooling of inflationary pressure on a month-to-month basis. What This Means for Consumers and Policy The persistently high inflation continues to challenge Kazakhstan’s monetary policy, with authorities closely monitoring trends to guide interest rate decisions. Meanwhile, households and businesses continue adjusting to steadily rising food, service, and non-food costs.
Uzbekistan’s Role Crucial for Stability and Development of Central Asia
TASHKENT, August 19, 2025 — At the “Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Europe – Cooperation for Common Development” forum in Tashkent, former President of Serbia Boris Tadić emphasized Uzbekistan’s indispensable role in ensuring peace, growth, and modern transformation across Central Asia . A Geostrategic Pillar for Progress Tadić noted that without Uzbekistan, the region cannot sustain stability or accelerate development—not just in politics but across digitalization, economic growth, technological advancement, and education . He highlighted Uzbekistan’s youthful, well-educated population as a key asset, complemented by its rich cultural heritage—including cities like Bukhara, Samarkand, and Khiva . Commitment to Regional Integration Tadić also commended international platforms like the Baku Forum, which gather leaders and thinkers to foster cooperation and dialogue. Offering to act as an intellectual mediator, he expressed readiness to help bridge Uzbekistan with Azerbaijan and broader multilateral institutions . Focus Areas of Cooperation The forum further underscored collaborative priorities such as: Tadić voiced his intention to contribute practically to Uzbekistan’s future development through continued dialogue and cooperation .
Gilgit’s Aman Faraz Durrani Honored as Youngest “Pride of Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, August 19, 2025 — Aman Faraz Durrani, the youngest woman from Gilgit, was awarded the prestigious Pride of Pakistan Award during the 78th Independence Day celebrations, Marka-e-Haq, for her exceptional work in social welfare and humanitarian services. Transforming Lives Through Durrani Welfare Trust Durrani is the founder and CEO of the Durrani Welfare Trust, established in 2017 to support orphans and disadvantaged children. The Trust provides shelter, daily meals, healthcare, and education to more than 50 children, and also conducts community outreach programs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trust delivered food rations to over 800 families, provided clothing to 300 families, and distributed food to 500 more across Gilgit-Baltistan. It also runs a free ambulance service for those in need. “Our Stars” Shine Nationally The children under the Trust’s care, affectionately known as “Our Stars,” regularly participate in national events like Independence Day and Pakistan Day, reflecting their patriotism and community engagement. Their presence has garnered praise from senior officials, including former Commander FCNA, Major General Kashif Khalil, who helped fund classrooms and teachers at the Trust. Call for Resources and Community Support Durrani shared her plans for growth: “To further improve facilities, we need a dining hall and a multipurpose hall where our children can learn and grow through lectures and activities,” she said. “Your support could be instrumental in helping us continue to provide quality care and education to our children.” Over the years, the Trust has organized seminars and motivational sessions featuring government officials and community leaders to inspire youth participation in caring for vulnerable communities.