1. Minister of Information in Quetta, Press Release:
General Elections 2024 will take place across the country on February 8, 2024. The rumors about a possible delay in the elections are baseless. The federal government, in collaboration with provincial governments, is committed to conducting free, impartial, and transparent elections. Federal Information Minister Ghulam Murtaza Solangi, addressing a press conference in Quetta, emphasized that there should be no doubt or suspicion regarding the elections. The government is determined to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections. In response to a question, the Federal Minister assured that meeting the financial, administrative, and security requirements of the Election Commission is our responsibility.
2- Information Minister’s Talk about Caretaker Government’s Tenure
The caretaker government’s tenure and powers are limited, and once the responsibilities are fulfilled, the country will transition to an elected government. The Minister of Information also mentioned that due to government initiatives, there has been a decrease in the dollar exchange rate. Today, the stock market has crossed the psychological barrier of 66,000 points, indicating positive economic stability. However, it’s just a rumor that Pakistan’s case is not on the agenda of the next IMF board. According to Bloomberg’s latest news, Pakistan is on the IMF board’s agenda on January 11. We are pleased that the country is progressing towards economic stability.
3- Minister of Information & Broadcasting Ghulam Murtaza Solangi visited the PTV Center Quetta:
On the first day of his tour. He was briefed by the General Manager of Quetta Center, Syed Faheem Shah, and heads of departments on their respective professional responsibilities. The Information Minister received a detailed briefing on PTV Bolan’s transmission, programming, current affairs discussions, dramas, live shows, news bulletins, and the budget and finances of the Bolan Channel.
The Minister of Information also toured the newsroom, studios, and IT lab. Ghulam Murtaza Solangi assessed Bolan transmission’s technical area with the MCAR. He emphasized the need to improve the technical and human resource requirements of PTV Bolan, with a focus on enhancing the coverage of Balochistan’s culture and language in regional languages.
4- Minister of Information Talk at Quetta Press Club:
Federal Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Murtaza Solangi, also visited the Quetta Press Club. Provincial Information Minister Jan Achakzai and President of the Quetta Press Club, Abdul Khaliq Rind, briefed the federal minister on the role of media in Balochistan and provided a detailed briefing on the Quetta Press Club. Murtaza Solangi appreciated the positive role of media in the province and assured every possible cooperation.
5- The Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ) in Quetta:
Minister Information – BUJ Protest Federal Minister for Information, Ghulam Murtaza Solangi, participated in a protest organized by the Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ) in Quetta. Addressing the media workers during the protest, the federal minister announced that notices would be issued for the forced layoffs of media workers. He emphasized that licensed TV channels, according to PEMRA rules, are obliged to establish bureau offices in all provincial capitals. The minister pledged to speak with the owners of channels closing bureau offices in Quetta. Balochistan Information Minister Jan Achakzai expressed concern over the government spending millions on advertisements in the media and vowed to take action against institutions not paying salaries and resorting to forced layoffs.
6- Minister Information Visit to DGPR:
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Murtaza Solangi, visited the DGPR office in Quetta. Secretary Information Balochistan Imran Khan and DGPR Noor Khaitran briefed the minister on the department’s activities. Federal Minister for Information Jan Achakzai also accompanied him during the visit.
7-Protest organized by the Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ) in Quetta
Minister for Information, Ghulam Murtaza Solangi, participated in a protest organized by the Balochistan Union of Journalists (BUJ) in Quetta. Addressing the media workers during the protest, the federal minister announced that notices would be issued for the forced layoffs of media workers. He emphasized that licensed TV channels, according to PEMRA rules, are obliged to establish bureau offices in all provincial capitals. The minister pledged to speak with the owners of channels closing bureau offices in Quetta. Balochistan Information Minister Jan Achakzai expressed concern over the government spending millions on advertisements in the media and vowed to take action against institutions not paying salaries and resorting to forced layoffs.
8- FC Pishin:
Minister Information DGPR Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Murtaza Solangi, visited the DGPR office in Quetta. Secretary Information Balochistan Imran Khan and DGPR Noor Khaitran briefed the minister on the department’s activities. Federal Minister for Information Jan Achakzai also accompanied him during the visit.
9- Joint operation in the Yaro Area of Pishin by FC and Customs:
In a joint operation in the Yaro area of Pishin, FC, and Customs seized 3,400 kilograms of banned Ephedrine. The operation, based on secret information, also uncovered illegal stockpiles of urea, cigarettes, and tires. The confiscated items are valued at approximately 63 million rupees.
10- Special Poem by Armed Forces:
The Pakistani armed forces have released a special poem to pay homage to the martyrs. The poem highlights the unwavering courage of the Pakistani forces in the face of various challenges. It praises the sacrifices made by the soldiers for the homeland, emphasizing that every particle of the soil is cherished because of the blood of the martyrs. The poem also acknowledges the role of the Pakistani forces in the country’s development and stability.
11- 1971 Pakistan-India War
The 1971 Pakistan-India war witnessed remarkable bravery and courage from the Pakistani forces on both the eastern and western fronts. One such story is from the “Chhamb Sector,” which held great importance for both the Pakistan and Indian armies. Major General Iftikhar Khan Janjua, commanding officer of the 23rd Division, was tasked with clearing the area up to the River Tawi on December 3. After four days of intense fighting, Pakistan seized Chak Pandit, Mandiala, and Palanwala on December 7, signaling victory in the Chhamb Sector. In this operation, 4,958 Indian soldiers were killed, with 2,216 casualties in the Chhamb Sector alone. Major General Iftikhar Khan Janjua was honored for his bravery and leadership skills.
12- Khuzdar Update
A seminar was held in Khuzdar to empower women economically and by choice. The Poverty Alleviation Fund and BRS Peace Seminar had women activists participating, discussing women’s issues and proposing solutions.
13- Naseerabad Update
To eradicate corruption for the country’s development and in the best interests of the people, joint practical efforts are required. In connection with Anti-Corruption Day, Commissioner Nasirabad Division Tariq Qamar, DC Nasirabad, and other officials emphasized that progress with the dream of economic stability is incomplete without eliminating corruption. Pakistan is currently facing economic instability, and the real reason behind it is corruption within the country. To tackle its consequences, society as a whole must unite and strive to eradicate corruption.
14- Jaffarabad Updates:
“Deny Corruption, Love Pakistan” – A one-day seminar on transparency was organized in Jafarabad. The organizers emphasized the need to work together to combat corruption and environmental crises for a sustainable future. They stressed that everyone must play a role in contributing to the progress and prosperity of Balochistan. Corruption is like a cancer that hollows out all institutions; therefore, concerted efforts are required across all sectors and ideologies to eradicate corruption. By uniting against corruption, we can envision a rapidly advancing Pakistan in the list of developed nations.