TOBA TEK SINGH: Nigerian High Commissioner in Pakistan Mohammad Bello Abioye says that direct air flights between Pakistan and Nigeria have the potential to significantly enhance bilateral trade.

He made these remarks during an address at the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI) on Wednesday.

Mr Abioye said he had taken several measures to facilitate the exchange of information, foster business-to-business meetings, and implement a simplified visa policy to support serious entrepreneurs. Visa applications have been processed within 48 hours over the past two years, streamlining the process for business-related travel.

Recognising the socio-economic importance of Faisalabad, he said the city is globally renowned for its textile industry. He said he wanted to have friendly relations with the local business community and their collaboration to promote bilateral trade.

He said Nigeria was a land of opportunities and the Pakistani business community can take advantage of these prospects. He said that China and Malaysia have invested in Nigeria, and Pakistan should explore new investment opportunities across various sectors.

Mr Abioye also suggested that textile companies consider establishing units in Nigeria, given the surplus availability of cotton and Pakistani businessmen could explore investment opportunities in the cashew-nut processing sector.

FCCI President Dr Khurram Tariq called Nigeria as the largest economy in Africa, with a GDP of $500 billion. He said Nigeria maintains a healthy balance between imports and exports, with exports totaling approximately $63 billion and imports at $60 billion.

He acknowledged the growth in bilateral trade but mentioned a recent dip due to local and international economic challenges.

ACCIDENT: A woman died in Shorkot tehsil of Jhang on Wednesday when her headscarf became entangled in the motorcycle’s rear wheel.

The incident also left her niece critically injured.

According to Rescue 1122, Azizan Mai was riding pillion on a motorcycle driven by her husband Khan Muhammad on Dub Kalan Road near Murali Wala. Her headscarf got caught in the rear wheel, strangling her throat, and causing her to fall onto the road. Her niece Ayesha Latif who was also riding the same bike, fell as well.

Both were shifted to the Shorkot Tehsil Headquarters hospital, where Azizan succumbed to her injuries. Khan Muhammad also sustained minor injuries.

The three were on their way back to their village Moulapur in Qataalpur, Khanewal.

CASE: Haji Muhammad Ishaq, former provincial revenue minister and the general secretary of PPP Faisalabad division, has been booked by Gojra City police on charges of torturing, attempting to kidnap, and making threats against his nephew Faheem Rafiq, and Faheem’s lawyer, Aqeel Ahmad.

In the first information report, complainant advocate Aqeel Ahmad alleged that when he and his client, Faheem, exited the court following a hearing regarding a property dispute, Ishaq and his 15 associates physically assaulted them, issued threats, and attempted to abduct them.

Police are currently investigating the matter.

GAS THEFT: Five residents of Gojra’s Usman Town locality have been booked by Gojra City police on charges of stealing gas from the main pipeline.

Muhammad Faisal, a supervisor with SNGPL, informed the police that Muhammad Saeed and four others were caught red-handed by the company’s anti-gas theft squad while tampering with the main gas line in the locality.

As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with this incident.

BAIL: Faisalabad’s Anti-Terrorism Court Judge Muhammad Hussain rejected the bail applications of 13 people involved in the riots that occurred on Aug 18 after the desecration of the Quran in Jaranwala.

The district prosecutor opposed their bail pleas, leading to the court’s decision to deny their bail applications.

The people whose bail applications were rejected are Waqas, Azeem, Bahadur, Yousaf, Ali Raza, Haider, Ahsan, Manzoor, Ali, and Ashraf.

Published in Dawn, October 19th, 2023