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K-P set to release Rs8b for Ehsaas initiatives

K-P set to release Rs8b for Ehsaas initiatives

Express Tribune5 days ago
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur announced the government will release Rs8 billion for the Ehsaas initiatives in the current fiscal year, with Rs2 billion earmarked for interest-free loans under each of four flagship programs.
A high-level meeting regarding Ehsas flagship projects in the province was held here at Chief Minister's Secretariat with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa CM Ali Amin Khan Gandapur in the chair.
The meeting reviewed the progress on four major programmes being implemented under Ehsas initiative in the province. These programmes include Ehsaas Nojawan, Ehsaas Hunar, Ehsaas Rozgar, and Ehsaas Apna Ghar (Low cost housing project).
During the meeting, a detailed briefing was given on the progress, so far made of the programs. It was informed that under Component-I of the Ehsaas Nojawan Program, being implemented through the Bank of Khyber, Rs408 million in interest-free loans have been distributed among 139 beneficiaries, utilizing 100% of the allocated funds. An additional Rs116 million is required for 52 more approved cases under the same component.
Meanwhile, Component-II of the Ehsaas Nojawan Program, implemented through Akhuwat Microfinance, has also achieved 100% disbursement of its allocated funds. So far, Rs602 million in interest-free loans have been disbursed among 3585 beneficiaries, with another 1,745 applications currently under process.
It was also highlighted that Akhuwat has achieved a 100% loan recovery rate under this program, with Rs. 42.88 million recovered to date.
Under the Ehsaas Hunar Program, Rs307 million have been distributed among 647 beneficiaries, while an additional 592 cases are currently being processed.
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Three 'TTP terrorists' killed in Swat IBO
Three 'TTP terrorists' killed in Swat IBO

Express Tribune

time14 hours ago

  • Express Tribune

Three 'TTP terrorists' killed in Swat IBO

Listen to article Three wanted terrorists and "key operatives" of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were killed in a joint operation conducted by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and police in Barikot tehsil of Swat district, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, on Friday. In a statement, the CTD (Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa) noted that a targeted raid was launched on "verified intelligence" regarding the presence of the terrorists. "Upon interception, the suspects opened indiscriminate fire on the CTD team. The CTD responded with tactical precision, neutralising all three militants on the spot," the statement read. The Swat CTD referred to the eliminated terrorists as Fitna-al Khawarij, a term used by the state for members of the outlawed TTP, and added that the operation was supported by local police. The statement noted that the terrorists had been involved in IED blasts targeting law enforcement convoys, armed attacks on police posts and infrastructure, and martyrdom of at least three police officials. Among the slain militants was Ajmal alias Waqas, son of Abdul Ghaffar and a resident of Mulkabad, Mingora, the statement noted. He was reportedly wanted in nine terrorism-related cases and had been involved in the targeted killing of Village Defence Committee (VDC) members, an attempted assassination of an advocate and extortion from civilians. A bounty of Rs2 million had been placed on him for his capture or elimination. Another terrorist was identified as Matiullah alias Ishaq/Junaid, son of Ibrat Shah and a resident of Dubsar, Martung in Shangla district. He was wanted in two terrorism cases and had been linked to targeted killings of individuals assisting the law enforcement agencies. The third slain terrorist was identified as Rahimullah Rahmani alias Roohullah, son of Amanullah and a resident of Shirey, Nuristan, Afghanistan. He was wanted in two terrorism-related cases and had been involved in targeted killings and facilitating terrorist activities. "Intelligence reports further confirm that the cell was operating under the direction of foreign-based, foreign-funded handlers, with active plans to escalate attacks on security forces, public infrastructure, and pro-state individuals," the CTD statement read. It added that the operation stood as a testament to the dedication, precision, and inter-agency coordination of Swat CTD and district police who remained committed to safeguarding regional peace and eliminating the threat of militancy. North Waziristan Two terrorists were reportedly killed and several others sustained injuries during a joint operation conducted by police and security forces in the Shiwa tehsil of North Waziristan. The operation took place within the jurisdiction of Chowk Police Post. Hangu Meanwhile, a key terror suspect involved in the attack on Hangu District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Khalid Khan was killed in a follow-up operation. The operation was carried out by Hangu police late Friday night. According to official sources, the intelligence-based operation was launched in the Naryab area within the jurisdiction of Doaba Police Station. Tank An injured terrorist belonging to a banned outfit surrendered to the security forces in Tank district. The suspect had reportedly been involved in anti-state activities.

Essential kitchen items' prices stay stable
Essential kitchen items' prices stay stable

Business Recorder

time18 hours ago

  • Business Recorder

Essential kitchen items' prices stay stable

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The moment stockists start supplying the commodity at the government fixed rates, the retailers will bring down the prices. Wheat flour price remained unchanged as the best quality wheat flour ex-mill per 15kg bag is available at Rs1,100, which in retail is being sold at Rs1,150 per 15kg bag; and normal quality wheat flour per 15kg bag is available at Rs1,000, which in retail is being sold at Rs1,050 per bag. After a significant reduction of Rs1,400 per 15 kg bag in wheat flour price over the past 18 months, the tandoor owners in some parts of the federal capital have reduced the roti, naan and paratha prices as in some parts of the federal capital, roti is available at Rs16 against Rs20, naan at Rs20 against Rs25 and paratha at Rs45 against Rs50; however, Quetta hotels chain has not reduced paratha price and are selling at highest rate of Rs60 per paratha. The bakers instead of reducing the biscuits, bread and confectionery items prices, have increased the prices of bakery items despite over 56 per cent reduction in flour prices over 31 per cent reduction in ghee/cooking oil prices. During the past two years, top quality cooking oil/ghee prices such as Dalda reduced by 25 per cent from Rs3,600 per 5 kg to Rs2,700 and normal ghee prices reduced by 31 per cent from Rs8,800 per carton of 16 packs to Rs6,100. The prices of cooked food items remained stable as a cooked daal/vegetable plate at a normal hotel is available at Rs320, cooked beef plate at Rs550, cooked chicken plate at Rs500, cooked mutton at Rs750 and naan/roti is being sold at Rs25/30. Mutton and beef prices remained stable as normal quality mutton was available at Rs2,200 per kg, normal quality boneless beef at Rs1,400 per kg, and normal beef at Rs1,100 per kg. Various varieties of fishes are available in the range of Rs500 to Rs900 per kg. No changes were witnessed in tea prices, as Lipton Yellow Label is available at Rs2,200 per 900 grams pack and Islamabad Tea is available at Rs1,800 per kg; normal quality turmeric powder is available at Rs650 against Rs600 per kg and normal quality red chili powder at Rs800 per kg. Pulses prices remained stable as maash pulse is available at Rs390 per kg, gram pulse at Rs270 per kg, whole gram pulse at Rs250 per kg, various varieties of bean lentils in the range of Rs400-500 per kg, moong at Rs380 per kg, and masoor at Rs280 per kg. The prices of branded spices such as Shan, National, and others, also remained stable as a pack of 39 grams of spice is available at Rs140. The prices of the various varieties of rice remained stable as the best quality basmati price in wholesale market is available at Rs14,000 per 40kg bag, which in retail is being sold at Rs390 per kg, normal quality Basmati at RS13,000 per 40 kg bag, which in retail is being sold at Rs360 per kg, and broken Basmati at Rs10,000 per 40kg bag, which in retail is being sold at Rs260 per kg. Ghee/cooking oil prices remained stable as B-grade ghee/oil is available at Rs6,300 per carton of 16 packs in the wholesale market, which in retail is being sold at Rs420 against Rs400 per pack of 900 grams, while best quality cooking oil/ghee brands such as Dalda ghee in wholesale market are available at Rs2,750 per 5kg tin which in retail are being sold at Rs2,850 per 5-litre bottle. Prices of packed milk brands, Milk Pak, Olpers and others remained stable at Rs2,350 per carton, while in retail 250ml packed milk is being sold at Rs95 per 250ml. Similarly, litre pack at Rs370 per litre. 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According to LPG traders, the LPG marketing companies and distributors are earning billions of rupees profit by overcharging the consumers, while the OGRA which totally depends on district administration including police have totally ignored the enforcement of official commodity rates. Moreover, LPG distributors and retailers are freely selling LPG by decanting in violation of the laws as a result every other day LPG cylinder blasts are claiming precious lives. Overall vegetable and fruit prices witnessed a mixed trend as potatoes price remained stable at Rs3,400-5,200 per quintal, while in retail potatoes are being sold in the range of Rs65-100 per kg; onion price in wholesale market remained stable at Rs1,500-3,000 per quintal, which retail are being sold in the range of Rs75-100 against government set price of Rs24-42 per kg and tomato prices went up from Rs600 to Rs900 per basket of 15kg, which in retail are being sold in the range of Rs100-300 against set price of Rs63-90 per kg. Ginger price is stable at Rs1,500/1,600 per 5kg in the wholesale market, which in retail is being sold in the range of Rs450-500 per kg, local garlic price went up from Rs750 to Rs900 per 5 kg which in retail is being sold at Rs220 against Rs200 per kg, Quetta garlic price is stable at Rs900 per 5 kg which in retail is being sold at Rs250 per kg and China garlic price is also stable at Rs1,150 per 5kg in the wholesale market which in retail is being sold in the range of Rs250-300 per kg, but venders are selling local garlic in the name of China/Quetta to maximize their profits. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

Three Indian-sponsored terrorists killed in Swat: CTD
Three Indian-sponsored terrorists killed in Swat: CTD

Express Tribune

timea day ago

  • Express Tribune

Three Indian-sponsored terrorists killed in Swat: CTD

In a joint counter-terrorism operation, the Swat police and Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) killed three key operatives of Fitna al-Khawarij a group identified as an Indian proxy, including a high-value target with a bounty of Rs2 million on Saturday, Express News reported. According to the CTD, the terrorists were involved in attacks on security forces and the killings of police personnel. Among the deceased was Ajmal alias Waqas, accused of murdering members of a Village Defence Council and listed as a most-wanted terrorist. The second suspect was identified as Matiullah, also known as Ishaq and Junaid. The third slain terrorist was Rahimullah Rehmani, also known as Rohullah. The CTD stated that the terrorists were also linked to IED attacks, extortion cases, and were part of a network receiving foreign funding to spread terror in the region. Regional Police Officer Sher Akbar Khan called the operation a decisive blow to the operational wings of Fitna al-Khawarij in Swat and surrounding areas, affirming continued efforts to eradicate the group. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed praised the CTD and Swat police for the success and stressed that operations against terrorists would be intensified to ensure lasting peace in the province.

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