The General Administration of Customs of the Peoples Republic of China (GACC) has renewed the registration of 279 Pakistani seafood exporting companies, enabling them to continue to send shipments to the Chinese market, Pakistan Embassy Commercial Counsellor in Beijing Ghulam Qadir revealed. According to official data, Pakistan’s seafood exports to China topped $166.56 million by the end of last year, registering an increase of 41%. Qadir voiced confidence that seafood exports from Pakistan would continue to rise in the coming days. The China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA) has helped Pakistan make inroads into the Chinese market as seafood exports are growing day by day in the wake of the trade pact. Many Pakistani seafood exporters were enjoying zero tariffs and at the same time they were getting more and more aware of the details of CPFTA, he remarked.

LAHORE - On the fourth anniversary of the continuous mil­itary siege of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) by Indian forces, the people and government of Pakistan will observe “Youm-e-Istehsaal” on August 5. This day serves as a solemn occasion to protest against the ongoing oppression, brutality, and fear unleashed by the occupying forces in IIOJK. During “Youm-e-Istehsaal,” a series of protest rallies, processions, and demonstrations will take place across the province, as the people demand the attention of the United Nations and the global community towards the plight of oppressed Kash­miris. In Lahore and throughout Punjab, various events and visual displays will be organized to depict the sufferings caused by Indian op­pression in Kashmir. The global community will be urged to unite in granting Kashmiris the right to live in peace, free from state-sponsored atrocities, and to promote a peaceful resolution to the longstanding issue.

From The Tribune staff reportsTRUSSVILLE – The Trussville Rotary Daybreak Club hosted a reception on Thursday, July 27, for Bishop Evans Achanga of the Agape Fellowship Center in Kenya. Bishop Evans has been with Agape since August 2012, holds a bachelor’s degree in theology/theological studies from Covenant Bible College and Seminary, and is the Rotary Daybreak Club’s contact for a Foundations 4 Hope grant through Rotary International (RI) Services. The Club is working in collaboration with Kitale Kenya Rotary F4H and AFC toward a goal of providing clean water for West Pokot, Kenya. “The goal is to write a five-year $500,000 grant, which will be aimed at providing clean water in East Africa,” said Diane Poole, Trussville Rotary Daybreak Club. For more information on the Trussville Rotary Daybreak Club, or to help with one of their projects, please email Diane Poole at dlpoole1225@gmail.com.

The Ottawa Redblacks have activated American receiver Bralon Addison from the six-game injured list along with Canadian receiver Tevaun Smith and Canadian defensive back Justin Howell. He signed with the Redblacks shortly thereafter and completed one stint on the team’s six-game injured list before being added back to it this past week. The 30-year-old dressed for eight games with Ottawa and made 14 receptions for 142 yards and two touchdowns, starting three contests at slotback. Ottawa has also added American defensive back Tobias Harris to the practice roster and released American receiver Raphael Leonard and American linebacker Ryan Saddler. The Redblacks (3-4) are scheduled to visit the Saskatchewan Roughriders (3-4) on Sunday, Aug. 6 with kickoff slated for 7:00 p.m. EDT.

This targeted act of violence is just one among many across the country, manifesting the deep-rooted divisions that plague India. The arrest of Railway Protection Force (RPF) constable Chetan Singh, who openly endorsed Modi and Adityanath after the shooting on board the Jaipur-Mumbai Central Superfast Express train, highlights the dangerous extent of communalism. The current state of communal violence in India is deeply disturbing, yet it remains inadequately highlighted on the international stage. The divisive rhetoric and policies promoted under the BJP government have contributed to an atmosphere where intolerance and hate thrive. It is essential for the international community to recognise and address this pressing issue, supporting efforts to restore peace, harmony, and inclusivity in India.

AUSTIN — With the Texas Longhorns preparing for the start of preseason camp on Wednesday, Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian, offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Kyle Flood, defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, and special teams coordinator Jeff Banks all met with the media. But going into it, my plan is to play probably a few more than we have in the past,” Sarkisian said. With 27 sacks, Texas was tied for 71st nationally and fifth in the conference, but missed roughly 13 sacks. The hope is that if the Texas defense can start generating turnovers, it will jumpstart a positive feedback loop. “That probably took away from Xavier’s opportunities to return the ball, but I’m excited to kind of see where he goes [this season],” Banks said.

By creating a dependency on subsidies and artificially controlling fuel prices, the government set unrealistic expectations among the public, leading to a harmful economic situation. Instead of allowing market forces to dictate fuel prices, the government intervened, causing distortions and making the economy vulnerable to global price fluctuations. The IMF’s involvement only highlights the extent of the government’s economic mismanagement. To break free from this vicious cycle, Pakistan needs leaders who prioritise economic stability over short-term political victories. The government must abandon the dangerous practise of subsidising fuel prices to garner public support.

Cowardly attacks can’t weaken nation’s resolve against terrorism: PMPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged the Interim Afghan government to undertake concrete measures towards denying its soil to be used for transnational terrorism. He was speaking during his visit to Peshawar along with Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir. The Prime Minister instructed the concerned authorities to render best possible healthcare services to the wounded patients until their full recovery. He said these cowardly attacks by terrorists cannot weaken our resolve to eradicate the menace of terrorism from Pakistan. Earlier on arrival, the Prime Minister and the Army Chief were received by Commander Peshawar Corps.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Interior Attaullah Tarar rebuked on Tuesday the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief. The PTI chief said that he did not receive any gifts directly". Tarar asserted: "The PTI chief had not declared the gifts he received. The person who used to ask for receipts from others has no answer today," Tarar said. Speaking about the petroleum levy, Tarar said that the levy had been imposed due to the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Policemen patrol in a riot affected area after clashes erupted between people demonstrating for and against a new citizenship law in New Delhi, India, February 25, 2020. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILEAt least five people, including two police personnel, were killed in clashes between Hindus and Muslims that erupted on Monday around 50 km (30 miles) south of the capital New Delhi, police officials told Reuters. The violence erupted after a Hindu religious procession passed through the Muslim dominated Nuh region, in Haryana state, the officials said. Local government officials from Nuh and Gurugram met with representatives of the Hindu and Muslim communities on Tuesday to appeal for calm. Another 60 people, including 10 police personnel, were injured in the clashes, local government officials said.

TTP violence has staged a comeback after assumption of power by the Afghan Taliban regime in Afghanistan. According to a think tank’s report, the TTP attacks had increased by 27% in 2022 compared to 2021, and 70 attacks have been witnessed since May 23 alone. Hard targets like Brigade Headquarters Zhob have also not been spared signifying desperation and rashness in TTP terrorism. The sanctuaries once provided by TTP to TTA inside Pakistan are being reoccupied by TTP as their staging posts for attacks on Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies. Development in NMDS, better border control, strengthening of civilian counterterrorism and administrative apparatus along with a lead civilian role in governance and stabilisation of NMDs is the key to arrest the recrudescence of TTP violence.

Security personnel examine the site of a bomb blast in Bajaur district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province on July 31, 2023. PHOTO: AFPThe suicide attack that took place in Bajaur on Sunday, which killed at least 46 people and left over 200 injured, has drawn strong condemnations from across the Muslim world. The leadership of the Muslim nations as well as the heads of the Muslim world bodies condemned the heinous crime and sympathised with the bereaved families. At least 46 people were killed in a suicide blast at a Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) workers’ convention in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s (K-P) Bajaur district on Sunday. #Statement | The Foreign Ministry expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's condemnation and denunciation of the attack that took place in #Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which resulted in deaths and injuries.

However, it is, by all merits, unfair to attribute all of Pakistan’s woes solely to a predatory colonial legacy. As a result, the British Crown established a colonial system that operated in conjunction with the local elite rather than seeking to eliminate them. The colonial legacy undoubtedly plays a role in Pakistan’s challenges, exacerbating economic and political instability. Given the context, it is pertinent to question the extent to which the colonial system is accountable for Pakistan’s current challenges. To understand the real problem plaguing Pakistan, we must look beyond the colonial legacy.

Plastic bags have become a necessity in our lives and provide us with ease and convenience. They break down into tiny toxic particles that contaminate the soil and waterways and enter the food chain. One of the main reasons why sewage channels get jammed is because of plastic bags. When burned, they release toxic gases like nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide. The government needs to take stringent steps to improve plastic waste management to prevent it from poisoning the ecosystem.

The emigration of skilled professionals and talented individuals in search of better opportunities abroad, known as the brain drain, is now a major concern in Pakistan. The curse of brain drain could cast a perpetual shadow on our future if we don’t act now. Raising awareness, advocating for policy reforms, and supporting the youth are some ways civil society organisations can contribute to addressing the brain drain. The multifaceted challenge of the brain drain in Pakistan necessitates a comprehensive and collaborative approach. Brain drain can be turned into brain gain if the government, private sector, civil society, and youth work together.