Sixth CICA Summit 2022
PM Shehbaz favours conflict resolution for region’s progress
Says ‘willing to engage with India’
ASTANA (Kazakhstan): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday strongly favoured peaceful dialogue in resolving conflicts with other countries, including the neighbouring India, in a bid to achieve the goals of prosperity of the nations and the region. Addressing at the 6th summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Kazakhstan’s capital Astana, he said Pakistan desired peaceful relations with all its neighbours including India. “We are willing to engage with India for the sake of prosperity and development as both sides of the border cannot afford to deal with massive challenges of poverty and unemployment amid meager resources,” he said. The prime minister’s speech focused on peace among nations to hit the goal of prosperity as he addressed the leaders of the multinational forum, gathered to discuss cooperation towards promoting peace, security and stability in Asia. PM Shehbaz stressed that the people deserved the resources to be diverted to their education and health. “I want to leave behind a legacy of peace and progress for the prosperity of the coming generations of our region,” he said. “Pakistan’s first priority at the moment is to revive rapid and equitable economy”. He, however, said, the “onus remains on India to take a necessary steps to engage towards the result-oriented solutions.” The prime minister highlighted India’s unabated atrocities in Jammu and Kashmir for last seven decades, where he said, that the Kashmiris faced continued denial of their right to self-determination. He urged other countries to take notice of India’s ‘bullet over ballot’ policy as it blatantly quashed the United Nations Security Council’s resolution on holding a plebiscite in Kashmir. “India has become a threat to its minorities, neighbours and the entire region,” he said. Sharif said Pakistan was “absolutely ready and willing for a discussion with Indian counterparts to promote trade and investment provided they showed the sincerity of purpose”. On Afghanistan, he said the four decades of conflict not only took a heavy toll on the country but also upon its neighbouring Pakistan. Pakistan, he said, suffered immense damage to its peace and security with serious consequences borne in shape of 80,000 casualties and billions of dollars financial losses. The prime minister expressed satisfaction that after immense sacrifices, Pakistan had now become able to control extremism and terrorism on its soil besides managing to host four million Afghan refugees. “Prosperous and stable Afghanistan is not only in the interest of Pakistan, but also for the international community,” he said. Shehbaz Sharif called for pooling resources among the regional countries to address the common challenges in the interest of peace and progress. “If we team our resources, Asia can stand with pride and achievement,” he said. -PR
Women to play vital role in rehabilitation, reconstruction process: Ahsan Iqbal
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqabl on Thursday said woman's role in the rehabilitation process in flood hit areas would be vital as the rehabilitation and reconstruction process would not be possible without their support. "The incumbent government was bent upon providing equal opportunities to womenfolk to actively engage in development process of the country", Ahsan Iqbal said while addressing the opening ceremony of Annual Rural Women Leadership in Disaster Risk Reduction Conference here. He said women played vital role in development of any country and the development process of such countries remained slow where the women are not given equal opportunities. He said planning and development was not based only on building roads, infrastructures etc, but one of the most important aspect was planning to include women in the country's development process. Keeping in view this importance, he said the planning ministry has established a gender unit in which all development projects would be planned according to gender's perspective so that the projects should not be approved without ensuring the interests of the women. Ahsan Iqbal said bringing women to the mainstream process was vital to minimize gender inequality in the society. He said Pakistan was facing huge disaster due to the climate change and the women and children are the most vulnerable in such condition. Even when the rehabilitation starts, women are not included in such process, he added. The minister said one-third of Pakistan had been affected, and 33 million people were directly affected due the disaster caused by floods and torrential rains. Similarly, over 2 million houses were damaged and over 1700 people lost their lives. He said without any doubt, this is the biggest calamity in any country in the recent era.
Process starts to prepare national policy for climate change: Sherry
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: A process has been initiated to prepare a National Adaptation Plan (NAP) for building resilience to climate change, Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman told the National Assembly on Thursday. During question hour, she said the initiative was aimed at reducing vulnerabilities to climate impacts by creating comprehensive medium and long term plans including the integration of adaptation measures into national policy. The Minister said Pakistan has been using nature based solutions and ecosystem system based adaptation in its national efforts to build climate resilience. Sherry Rehman said that Pakistan Climate Resilient Urban Policy Framework is being formulated which will take into account opportunities and challenges in achieving green and resilient urban development.
WASHINGTON: Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar meets Mr. David Lipton, Counselor to the US Secretary of Treasury on International Affairs in Washington.
Govt files petition in SC against Imran long march
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has filed a contempt of court petition in Pakistan's Supreme Court (SC) against former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan over his demand for a protracted march to Islamabad. According to information, the federal government has filed a petition with the Supreme Court (SC) against Imran Khan, claiming that the former prime minister was making long-margin announcements in violation of a court order. The petition was submitted on behalf of the federal government by the Interior Ministry. The federal government claimed in the appeal that Imran Khan was making threats to assault Islamabad. "The PTI Chairman was defying the Supreme Court's ruling, which told him to stage a peaceful stage," the petition read, seeking the high court to urge Imran Khan to oversee the compliance of its directives regarding demonstrations and sit-ins.
Power supply to be fully restored: Khurram
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Power Division KhurramDastgir Khan on Thursday said that the government was fully cognizant to the power blackout in Southern parts of the country and it would be fully restored. Addressing a press conference here, he said country's southern parts witnessed power blackout due to technical fault at two 500 kV transmission lines simultaneously which resulted tripping of several power plants. We are trying to completely restore the system between 'Maghrib and Isha'," he said. The minister said that the fault occurred at 9.16 a.m. in two 500 kV southern transmission lines NK-1 and Jamshroo which caused power suspension in southern areas of the country including Karachi, Quetta, Hyderabad and Sukkur etc. He said our first priority was to isolate Karachi from it, and we successfully isolated it by 9:45. 1000 MW which was provided daily to Karachi from the national grid was disconnected but K Electric own system was independently operational and was supplying electricity to the port city, he added. He said tripping caused temporary shortfall of 8,000 MW in the system and some areas of Multan and Faisalabad also witnessed partial outage. However, he said so far over 4700 MW has been restored to the system in a short time. He said he along with MD National Transmission and Despatch Company (NTDC) and MD National Power Control Centre (NPCC) was personally supervising the restoration work. He said power supply has already been fully restored to Sibbi, Quetta Electric, Multan, and Faisalabad while partially restored to Sukkur. Khurram said three teams including reconnection team dealing with the cut-off conductors, the second repair team and the third team, was the inquiry team, which would submit a report to the ministry in four days identifying the cause of the incident. Appropriate action would be taken in light of inquiry report, he added. He appreciated the NTDC and NPCC teams to keep away north of country from tripping and power blackout. The NTDC team also restored power supply in flood affected areas in a record time, he added.
Let the PTI hold Islamabad long march
By Sardar Khan Niazi
Likely clashes between the supporters of the PTI joining the Islamabad long march and the PDM government forces will not serve any national cause. There is a stir among government circles concerning Imran Khan’s announcement of plans for another “long march” to Islamabad by the members and supporters of his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party to press for immediate polls. He has directed party workers to become ready for the real freedom march, as it will be a battle for Pakistan and not for PTI. However, the PDM government ahead of the expected PTI long march has decided not to allow the PTI to hold its planned long march to the capital. In this regard, the participants of the meeting held at the Prime Minister’s House reiterated their support for the federal government to thwart any attempt to ‘invade’ Islamabad. Federal Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said during the meeting that our preparations regarding Imran Khan’s long march are complete. The participants of the meeting did not realize that their wrong policies have already destabilized the country politically and economically. Therefore, giving free hand to federal Minister Rana Sanaullah in this regard is not going to serve their ulterior motives. However, Imran Khan says that he will give the federal government a surprise this time, as the government was clueless about his plan. This march is just one of the many things we intend to do. This march is not the be-all and end-all. We have various other things planned as well, adds Imran Khan. Earlier, a similar protest by the PTI saw a vicious crackdown by the government, with Imran Khan alleging the killing of at least five of its supporters in clashes with police. The PTI supporters were surprised by the government’s harsh response. When Imran Khan was the prime minister, the PTI government allowed the opposition three marches and it never stopped them. There was no harassment or police interference. However, when PTI went for the march, the crackdown it faced was unprecedented. The terrorism charges, along with Pakistan’s electronic media regulator banning the live broadcasts of the PTI rallies have not been able to curb the PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s voice. The PDM government's fresh attempt to deny Imran Khan's mobilizing masses is not going to succeed. Time will tell whether this will be successful. However, there are threatening signs of upcoming chaos. Imran Khan has criticized the PDM government over its handling of the economy and has once again called for immediate elections in the country. The problem is that the incumbent government is pushing the country to the brink. If the economy sinks, it will become impossible for even for the coming ruling party to bring it on track. Pakistan’s already struggling economy was disturbed by the devastating floods this summer with the government estimating the total loss at $30bn. Pakistan’s poverty rate is likely to rise due to the floods. Nearly 20 percent of its 220 million people are already below the poverty line, says a World Bank report. In spite of the aid package for the flood-hit country given by the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund the economy will pose a challenge. Twenty percent of the country’s textile industries remain closed due to unemployment. Almost 50 percent of our car industry and mobile phone industry are closed. The textile industry was on strike; the farmers have gone on strike. The sooner the country has political stability, the quicker it will have economic stability. Time is of the essence for Pakistan. That is why the PTI is holding a long march in the federal capital demanding early elections.
Two KP ministers served ECP notice for violating code of conduct
By Staff Reporter
PESHAWAR: The Election Commission of Pakistan has served notice on two KP ministers for violating the election code of conduct. The notice has been issued to KP Education Minister Shahram Khan Tarkai and KP Sports & Information Technology Minister Muhammad Atif Khan. The commission sought an explanation on October 15. The District Monitoring Officer took notice of these ministers for participating in the campaign in NA-22 Mardan. Participating in the campaign falls under violating the code of conduct issued by the Election Commission on August 5. The Election Commission of Pakistan has finalized arrangements for the by-election scheduled on October 13 (Sunday) on three vacant National Assembly seats from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The election campaign will end on Friday. The candidates violating the ban will face action under Election Act 2017. The constituencies wherein by-elections are scheduled included NA-22 Mardan, NA-24 Charsadda and NA-31 Peshawar-V respectively. The total number of voters in these constituencies is over 1450,000, out of which the number of men voters is over 8,50,000 while 6,42,000 are women voters. The polling will begin at 8:00 am and will continue till 5:00 pm without break.
Edhi Foundation, Jazz provide flood assistance to flood affected families
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Edhi Foundation in partnership with Jazz provided assistance to thousands of families, distributing food and medical supplies, and hygiene and disaster relief kits in flood affected areas. This collaboration is a part of Jazz's PKR 1 billion flood relief pledge. The areas covered under this initiative include 23 districts of Sindh including Nawabshah, Dadu, Sukkur, Jamshoro, and Larkana as well as 10 districts of Balochistan including Quetta, Lasbela, and Nasirabad. Flood-struck parts of South Punjab including Taunsa, Jampur, and DG Khan were also covered. Jazz also mobilized its volunteers to assist Edhi's on-ground teams in distributing relief items. "We have witnessed the unfolding of an unprecedented calamity. To mitigate the effects of this climate-induced catastrophe, I implore all private companies to come forward. Jazz has historically always raised to the occasion when the country and its people needed it the most. The nationwide flood relief initiative is another example of this and we greatly value their decision to collaborate with us," said Faisal Edhi, Director – Edhi Foundation. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the all the families affected by floods. We are working with key partners in distributing relief supplies so it reaches the affectees in time. We stand by our fellow citizens during these tough times," said Syed Fakhar Ahmed, Chief Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Officer – Jazz.
Court Notice
In the Court of Waqas Ahmed Warriach Civil Judge JhelumSuit for Declaration, Case Title Aiysha Hussain etc vs Public at Large etc To, Adeel Hussain son of Mushtaq Hussain, Lehrasab son of Muhammad Jameel R/o Wahab Colony Block B Tehsil & Dist Jhelum. As there is not possible to call the Defendants through Summons in the instant Suit so through proclamation in Newspaper, You are directed to appear in the court on 19.10.2022 at 8:00AM, otherwise ex-parte proceedings will be initiated.
Exploitation of moses in the guise of democracy
By District Reporter
CHAKWAL: Senior Journalist Khawaja Babar Saleem Mahmood said on Thursday that the decisive phase has started regarding making Tala Gang a district and the information coming from Lahore is telling that Tala Gang is being made a district. While the situation is that it has been more than 37 years since Chakwal became a district, but with each passing day, the problems of more than fifteen lakh population of Chakwal district are increasing day by day. However, Tala Gang is the smallest district of Punjab in terms of population with a population of around five lakh. However, the problems of the people need to be solved on a priority basis while inflation, electricity bills and load shedding of needle gas and electricity have made it difficult for the people to live. He was speaking live from Chakwal Press Club studio. The host of the program, Zulfikar Mir, said that the problem of needle gas is getting worse day by day, winter has not started yet, the stoves of people's houses have started getting cold, while on the other hand, the load shedding of electricity is also going on, while the ruling chair They are playing a game of chairs due to which the common man is left reeling. Renowned religious scholar Pir Abdul Shakoor Naqshbandi said that the current system has completely failed, the government departments have completely failed to provide relief to the people and now the last solution is the Islamic system. He said that by following the Islamic system, not only the peace and order situation can be improved, but the country can also be led towards development and prosperity. Senior journalist Khawaja Daniyal Salim said that 300 years ago, Greece was the first democracy in the world and the role of elected representatives was very clear that those who believe in serving the people will come forward and provide facilities for the people, but now the situation is that the elected representatives When they succeed in the election by investing crores of rupees, they then return the invested money but also receive its profit and this is the highest type of corruption in the current system.
People thanked MPA for starting construction work on various roads of Chitral
By Gul Hamaad Farooqi
CHITRAL: Residents of Chitral in particular and the workers of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam specially say that the Ulama have fulfilled their promises. On the special request of Member Provincial Assembly Maulana Hidayat ur Rahman, the federal leadership of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam approach federal minister for communication for taking notice of the backwardness of Chitral district and the difficulties of the people in Lower and Upper districts. The perused federal minister who directed NHA for emergency restoration of the link roads of Chitral affected by the recent floods. He sent the representative of the National Highway Authority working under his supervision to Chitral for survey and started work in various roads of Chitral on emergency basis. Political and social circles of Chitral say that Federal Minister for Communications Mufti Asad Mahmood has directed NHA high ups who started the construction work on the link road of different villages of Garm Chashma through NHA. In the same way, works are also going on in Upper Chitral's Oyer Valley Road, Gahkir Road, Morkho to Madak Road, Ujnoo road and Trich Road and in a few days the work will also be start on Bonny to Charon Oyer Road and Sub Division Mastoj as well as Tehsil Morkho and Torkho. Roads will be done It is worth to mention here that the Member of the Provincial Assembly Maulana Hidayat Rahman had provided funds from his ADP (Annual Development program) for Oveer Road. Work has been started in Khot Road, Morkho Road and Bandu Gahkir Road. MPA Hidayat Rahman, has inaugurated the construction work of these roads along with the leaders of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam of these construction works, The people of Chitral thank the Federal Minister for Communications Mufti Asad Mahmood and the MPA for the restoration of the Chitral Main Road and the laying of the road network. Talking to our correspondent, the people here expressed hope that the roads of Chitral were in dilapidated condition and, now the condition of these roads will be improve, which will also cause to reduce the number of accidents.
CM chairs meeting to review progress on ADP and financial matter
Express condoles loss of lives in a road accident
By Staff Reporter
LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Chaudhry Parvez Elahi chaired a meeting at his office on Thursday which was attended by Finance Minister Mohsin Leghari, former federal minister Moonis Elahi, chief secretary, secretary finance, secretary P&D, secretary C&W and other officials. Progress on provincial ADP as well as financial matters were reviewed in detail. The CM directed to achieve the target fixed for increasing provincial resources and added that solid steps should be taken in this regard so that people could be provided more and more facilities through revenue generation. The CM also demanded a comprehensive plan for reforms in Punjab pension fund and directed that best utilization of Punjab pension fund should be ensured for payment of pensions. The concerned officials should provide a comprehensive plan next week; he added and directed to review the issuance of Punjab bonds. A committee was constituted to formulate recommendations with regard to issuance of Punjab bonds and this committee would present it proposals for the same. The CM directed that ADP funded projects should be completed in time as it would ensure correct utilization of resources while enabling the people to benefit from the development schemes. He further directed that public welfare projects should be completed without delay and the pace of work be accelerated on development and welfare oriented schemes. Similarly, he added that water supply schemes along with health and education projects should also be completed on a priority basis. The Punjab government believes in delivery and achievement of targets within timeline is the responsibility of concerned departments, he said. For this, timely utilization of development resources was essential, he added. The CM asked the departments to ensure timely and correct utilization of released funds. Along with it, increase in growth and investment should also be promoted through private sector. A target of balanced regional growth should be ensured through development strategy, he concluded. The CM was also briefed about financial matters and annual development programme. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Punjab Chaudhry Parvez Elahi has expressed a deep sense of sorrow and grief over the loss of precious human lives due to a fire in a passenger coach near Nooriabad and extended sympathies to the bereaved families. The CM prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and added that all the sympathies of the Punjab government are with the bereaved families.
PDMA KP organizes a seminar in swat on the occasion of international day for disaster risk reduction
By Staff Reporter
PESHAWAR: Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in collaboration with UNDP's GLOF II project organized a seminar on environmental and climate changes on the occasion of International Day of Disaster Risk Reduction here at Saidu Medical College Swat. Officials of PDMA Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, District Administration Swat, Saidu Medical College, and UNDP GLOF II, students, teachers, and the general public attended the event. Principal Saidu Medical College Professor Dr. Israr ul Haq thanked PDMA and GLOF II project for organizing the event at Saidu Sharif. He said that climate change could be combated with mutual cooperation and collaboration. On this occasion, PDMA's Deputy Director of Disaster Risk Management Sahibzada Saleem said that disasters not only affect human lives but also severely damage the country's socioeconomic aspects. He said that since the first two decades of the 21st century, Pakistan has been continuously suffering from natural disasters, which include floods, earthquakes, storms, avalanches, and droughts, while GLOF has emerged as a new phenomenon due to which areas of Chitral district are being particularly affected. Additional Deputy Commissioner Swat Abrar Wazir and Chairman Tehsil Kabal also addressed the event and informed the audience about climate change. Director General PDMA KP Sharif Hussain has said in his message on the day that by reducing the losses of disasters, economic and social stability can be brought and the risks of disasters should be kept in mind in all development projects in the areas affected by disasters. Development projects can be done in a better way by setting up a strategy he said. He further said that along with social media, awareness messages are also being aired on the radio for public awareness. He said that the trend of natural disasters cannot be stopped but the damage caused by them can be reduced by taking DRR measures.
Students across Pakistan will pursue a career in the field of animation
By Kamran Raja
ISLAMABAD: Unicorn Black, the production company behind the award winning series Burka Avenger is offering FREE ONLINE TRAINING to students across Pakistan in 3D Animation, Unreal Engine & Storytelling. The Peace Train Animation Training Program aims to provide skill based training to 100 students across Pakistan. Students can choose from any of the following two programs, 3D Animation & Storytelling (Diploma Program), Unreal Engine & Storytelling (Unreal Certified Training Program) The opportunity is open to students across Pakistan wishing to pursue a career in the field of animation. Students are expected to have basic knowledge of Maya and/or Unreal Engine softwares. The Peace Train program is now accepting applications from across Pakistan and students can apply by visiting: www.BurkaAvenger/peace-train Unicorn Black has partnered with Epic Games (Creator of Unreal Engine), Reality Forge (Pakistan’s First and only Unreal Authorized Training Center) and Muflehun in USA to provide this training. Speaking about the training courses at the launch event at Islamabad, director/producer, music icon and CEO of Unicorn Black, Haroon said: “Over the past few years, our organization has taught and mentored dozens of trainees who have gone on to obtain lucrative jobs in the animation industry across Pakistan, UAE, Malaysia, USA and other countries. There is an incredible amount of potential in the animation industry and our goal is to help it flourish in Pakistan.” He also mentioned that post Covid, online learning has become the catalyst for driving interest and urgency in personal and professional growth. The training programs have been designed by a team of industry professionals Each batch will be of 6 months duration with classes 2-3 days a week. At the end of each batch, students will work together in batches to develop an animated video with the theme of peace. The training program is uniquely tailored to the needs of the industry while at the same time helping promote peace and tolerance amongst the youth of the country.
Action takes by Food Branch Rawalpindi Cant Board on unhygienic food and illegal Slaughter
By Fahad Altaf
RAWALPINDI: On the special instructions of Rawalpindi Cantt Executive Officer Imran Gulzar, under the supervision of Haroon Zafar, in-charge of Food Control Cell, the illegal slaughter house was sealed in Allama Iqbal Colony Farooq Nagar area in the early morning in the operation against illegal slaughtering and harmful meat in all areas of Cantt. And the goods were confiscated. According to the details, the staff of Food Control Cell sealed the illegal slaughterhouse in Allama Iqbal Colony Farooq Nagar in the operation against unhealthy meat and illegal slaughtering in all areas of Cantt under the supervision of Food Control Cell in-charge Haroon Zafar. All the goods there were confiscated. Further, unhealthy meat was seized from Misrial Road area of Bran Cantt and 20 notices were issued for illegal slaughterhouses, selling meat without stamp in Chauhar Chowk, Naseerabad, Allahabad, People's Colony and Dhok Gujran and a total of 2 lakhs. Fifty thousand fines were imposed; Cantonment Board Food Control Cell staff conducts operations in all areas of Cantt on a daily basis to provide hygienic food items to the residents of Cantt.
Community and Journalists call for making Islamabad a protests free city
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: A delegation of National Press Club Islamabad led by its President Anwar Raza visited the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) to congratulate the new Office Bearers. Addressing the delegation, Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that Pakistan's economy is currently facing great challenges, but frequent adventurism by various stakeholders in the Capital to register their protest, which badly affects the business activities, causes great losses the business community and creates serious hardships for the citizens. He said that once again talks of a long march to Islamabad has created great concerns in the business community. He demanded the government to allocate a separate venue for any protest outside Islamabad so that the business community can be saved from further damages and the economy may not suffer more. He proposed that ICCI and the National Press Club should jointly prepare policy papers and recommendations for the improvement of the economy that should be shared with the government to formulate business-friendly policies. He further said that ICCI has taken discounts for its members from various hospitals, laboratories and other institutions including schools and colleges and efforts will be made to provide the same facilities to the members of the National Press Club. He emphasized that the journalist community should cooperate in highlighting the important problems of the business community to draw the attention of the government to address them. Anwar Raza, President, National Press Club Islamabad said that NPC has already organized a successful All Parties Conference for Revival of Economy in collaboration with ICCI and it would take more initiatives in cooperation with Chamber for the betterment of business and economic activities.
Rawalpindi Division takes up immediately with Islamabad administration to provide relief to public
By Staff Reporter
RAWALPINDI: Senior Member Board of Revenue Zahid Akhtar Zaman while presiding over the meeting along with Commissioner Rawalpindi Division Saqib Manan directed that all settlement cases of Rawalpindi Division should be taken up immediately with the Islamabad administration and to be solved within days in order to provide relief to the public. He directed that all the block khewats should be unblocked as soon as possible and the work of Digital Girdwari should also be expedited. Zahid Akhtar Zaman said that all the required facilities including manpower and necessary equipments have been provided in Dehi Markaz Maal and Land Record Centers so that there is no further delay in facilitating public. He said that the fixing revenue matters are our core objective and no other engagement should not divert our attention from it. In order to deliver the results of reforms taken by the Board of Revenue, Government of Punjab it is necessary that revenue officers target service delivery. He expressed these views while presiding over a meeting related to revenue matters at Commissioner's Office Rawalpindi. Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi Abdul Rauf, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Abdullah Mehmood, Additional Commissioner (Revenue) Kanza Khan, Punjab Land Record Authority officer Ikramullah and other concerned officers participated in the meeting. On this occasion, while giving a briefing about Rawalpindi Division, SMBR was told that according to the instructions of the Punjab Board of Revenue, a special cell has been set up in the Commissioner's office for hearing public complaints, in which three officers are appointed.
Chinese diplomat visits National Heritage and Culture Division in Islamabad
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Chinese Diplomat of Embassy of the People's Republic of China holds a meeting with Senior Joint Secretary of National Heritage and Culture Division Mr Zhang Heqing Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China, Director China Cultural Center in Pakistan visited National Heritage and Culture Division, Islamabad. Senior Joint Secretary Mr Abdul Sattar Khokhar recieved the worthy Counsellor along with Director General Department of Archaeology & Museums and Senior officials of the Division. Pak China mutual activities for promotion of arts, culture & archaeology have been discussed.
IWCCI holding conference of Presidents of Women Chambers
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: IWCCI is holding the 3rd All Pakistan Women Chamber of Commerce President's Conference on Friday (October 14) in Islamabad to promote the cause of empowering women entrepreneurs. Presidents of twenty women chambers will participate in the All Pakistan Women Chamber of Commerce President's Conference to be held in Islamabad, said Samina Fazil, Founder President of IWCCI. She said that we have been providing support and encouragement to women in business, we also provide a voice to women within the Chamber for issues in business and host meetings and events that foster growth and relationship building. Former President IWCCI Naima Ansari said that the conference will be attended by government officials, diplomats, professionals, community leaders, and business owners, she said, adding that it will also be open to the general public and those working for the rights of women. It is our mission to uplift the standards of living of women who play an indispensable role by acting as agents of change. We want to put a spotlight on all women and address the status quo with respect to the empowerment of the women's community, said Naima. Gender equality, women’s engagement in different disciplines, future challenges, and opportunities, businesses, and health concerns and we warmly welcome everyone to join this platform and be a part of a network that envisions a change for the better, she said.
Islamabad Capital Police salaries increased, notification issued
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: a notification regarding increase in salaries of Islamabad Capital Police has been issued by the regulation wing of the Finance division after formal approval of the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mian Shahbaz Sharif Sharif. The Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Federal Minister of Interior Rana Sana Ullah khan congratulated the officers and personnel of Islamabad Capital Police. The demand for an increase in salaries was a long awaited demand of the Islamabad Capital Police which was fulfilled which boosted the morale of the officials. IGP Islamabad Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan and his team took special interest and took up the case with concerned authorities. IGP Islamabad thanked the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Federal Interior Minister for Interior for fulfilling the long-standing demand of the Islamabad Capital Police. He said that the Islamabad Capital Police is always engaged in maintaining the law and order situation in the federal capital and dealing with criminal elements in order to save the precious lives and property of citizens.
Dacoit gang busted; looted cash and weapons recovered
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) of Islamabad Capital police apprehended two members of a dacoit’ gang involved in robbery and recovered looted cash and weapons from their possession, a police public relations officer said. He said that, following the directions of DIG Operations Sohail Zafar chatha, the CIA police team has evolved a comprehensive strategy in order to counter criminal elements involved in dacoity and theft incidents from federal capital, a police public relations officer said. He said, the CIA police team under the supervision of SSP Investigation Farhat Abbas Kazmi, used the latest technology and human resources and arrested two members of a notorious dacoit gang who were involved in robbing people in the PS Golra area jurisdiction. Police team also recovered Rs 0.5 million cash and 30 bore pistols with ammunition from their possession.
Universal healthcare program creating enabling environment for HSPs in Pakistan
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The government has created an enabling environment for HSPs through Sehat Sahulat Program that has resulted in secondary and tertiary healthcare becoming a win-win proposition for the stakeholders and is providing much-needed relief to millions of patients in need of hospitalization across the country. A number of new hospitals are being built by the private sector to provide for the needs of the patients who can afford their treatment to a large extent in the shape of the health card. The result has been not only increased universal healthcare facilities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Punjab but also a beneficial impact on the overall economy. However, there is a long way to go in terms of the improvement of quality in healthcare services and their standardization for the benefit of the patients. This was observed by health professionals and experts during a seminar, titled ‘Strengthening of Healthcare Delivery System of Pakistan’, jointly organized by the IPS, Islamabad, RMU, and Qmentum Consulting. The seminar was chaired by Prof. Muhammad Umar, vice chancellor RMU, and co-chaired by Khalid Rahman, chairman IPS, while Muhammad Arshad Muqarib, CEO, Prime Minister’s Health Program, joined as the chief guest. The discussion, revolving around the country’s health delivery system landscape, was addressed by Muhammad Nasrullah, advisor and program lead IPSTECH (an IPS initiative for technology-based governance solutions), Manzoor Ahmad, eHR consultant, Dr. Asif Maqsood Butt, public health specialist, and Dr. Khizar Pervaiz, palliative care specialist.
Chairman HEC stresses use of innovation & technology in education sector
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC) Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed has said that the world is focused on digital transformation, innovation and use of technology in the education sector, in view of contemporary requirements, HEC is helping the universities to adopt smart classrooms, blended education and hybrid systems. Addressing the closing ceremony of the 7th International Applied Business Research Conference at the International Islamic University, Chairman HEC said, for success in the future, it is necessary that we have to move with the pace of contemporary changes in technology. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed opined that instead of buildings and models, it is the era of smart university ideology. He said that smart university education has benefited the global education system during the global pandemic. Chairman HEC said that universities should use cloud computing under the guidance of HEC. He furthered that technology has to be utilized keeping in mind the changes that will take place in the next decades. Dr. Mukhtar said that the work is going on to utilize a blended learning and hybrid system so that in the future we will not be left behind in the world. He hailed efforts of IIUI for organizing the conference on the most contemporary and important topic and also assured full cooperation. Speaking on this occasion, IIUI President Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi said that the world is traveling and developing at a fast pace due to technology, which includes innovations such as 3D printing, robotics and artificial intelligence after the Internet. He opined that in human history, older things were replaced by innovations and technology, and the same world saw during the world realized the importance of digital transformation. President IIUI apprising of the initiatives at university told about preparation of open and distance learning system, campus management system, new strategic plan and preparation of the new organogram of IIUI. The vice presidents of the university, Dr. Ahmed Shuja Syed and Dr. Ayaz Afsar also expressed their views in the conference. Dr. Ahmed Shuja discussed the advantages of technology and aspects of utilizing business opportunities. Dr. Ayaz Afsar, Vice President Academic Affairs appreciated the organizers of the conference. In the conference, more than 650 policy makers, industrial experts and research scholars from USA, Malaysia and Turkey participated to share thoughts and experiences on the themes of finance, technology management, entrepreneurship, management and marketing in the light of digital transformation and other contemporary advancements and needs of the field. Conference participants agreed that initiatives to increase export, data driven governance and digital transformation are the keys to a bright future for the country.
Govt spends Rs 97,847,398 on renovation, beautification of non-Muslims worship places\
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The government has spent Rs 97,847,398 on the renovation and beautification of non-Muslims worship places in three years. The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony under its allied department Evacuee Property Trust Board (EPTB), has spent the following funds on the renovation and beautification of Gurdwaras and Hindu temples, located in five cities including Nankana Sahib, Farooqabad, Hassanabad, Eimanabad (Gujranwala) and Lahore, informed an official on Thursday. Giving break-up of the funds, he said the EPTB has spent Rs 59,467,628 on the renovation and beautification of Gurdwara Janamasthan and other Gurdwaras in Nankana Sahib in the following period. He said in Farooqabad, it has spent Rs 330,770 on the annual repair works at Gurdwara Sucha Sauda while Rs 21,819,000 was spent on the annual repair works of Gurdwara Punja Sahib in Hassanabad. In Eimanabad, Rs 467,000 was spent on the repair works of Gurdwara Rohri Sahib, Gurdawar Bhai Lau Di Khoi and Gurdwara Chaki Sahib while Rs 15,763,000 was spent on the repair works of Gurdwara Dera Sahib, rehabilitation of Shamshan Ghat for Hindu and Sikh communities, special repair to Samadhi Sir Ganga Ram, and installation of transformer at Shamshan Ghat in Lahore, he added. The official further said Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) is a religious body of Sikh community, which arranges Langer (meal) and accommodation for Yatrees inside the Gurdwaras through its Golak/donations.
President for adopting telemedicine, strengthening preventive healthcare
ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi has called for adopting digital technology and telemedicine, besides strengthening preventive health care to help overcome the increasing healthcare challenges faced by the underprivileged population of underserved areas of the country. The President made these remarks during a meeting with the delegation of Global Executives of Siemens Healthineers led by Mr Oley Per Maloy, CEO of the Middle East & South Asia (MESA) Regions, who called on him, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, today. Talking to the delegation, the President emphasized that healthcare providers should embrace innovation and transform healthcare delivery to improve the quality of healthcare services and enhance people’s access to medical services in a cost-effective and efficient manner. The President underlined the need to promote the preventive healthcare system by creating awareness about the importance of prevention and early detection of diseases by adopting a healthy lifestyle, which included observing cleanliness, regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, increasing the diet spread, management of tension and anxiety, avoiding smoking and use of drugs and seeking medical assistance at the early stage of health issues faced by them. The President said that there was a need to repeatedly inculcate the importance of a healthy lifestyle and taking precautionary measures to prevent the occurrence of diseases, and ensuring the early detection of disease or illness to the general public through all possible means of communication. He added that the advance of smart devices and software solutions had a great potential to transform the medical sector, especially in our country where the health system was fragile and overburdened. The President stressed the need to develop telemedicine facilities and use mobile units to provide awareness, medical advice and treatment to the unprivileged segment of society in rural and far-flung areas who could not afford the high cost associated with diagnostic and curative healthcare. The President expressed the need for enhancing collaboration with Siemens Healthineers by sharing knowledge, adopting the best practices and skill sets and innovation being made in the preventive health care system and provision of quality but cost-competitive and affordable health facilities to the masses. Earlier, Mr Ole Per Maloy briefed the President regarding various products of Siemens Healthineers. He said that Siemens Medical Solutions was the parent company of several medical technology companies in Germany, and was a leading healthcare solution provider to Pakistan in the domain of laboratory and radiology. He said that its core mission was to empower healthcare providers and help in expanding precision medicine, transforming care delivery and improving patient experience, enabled by the digitalization of the healthcare system. -- PR
Islamabad court confirms Imran’s bail in remarks against judge case
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: A district and sessions court of Islamabad confirmed PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s bail in the threat to female judge case filed against him by the Islamabad Police. The PTI chief was granted interim bail in the case last week against surety bonds worth Rs50,000 till today. However, his lawyer, Babar Awan, submitted Rs5,000 for the bond but was informed that the amount was Rs50,000. Following this Khan arrived the court and submitted Rs50,000 for the bond. The former prime minister also appeared in sessions judge Kamran Basharat Mufti along with Awan. Prosecutor Wajid Munir was also present. During the hearing, Awan informed the court that his client has been named in two cases and asked the court to approve the bail. At this, the court asked prosecutor Munir to share his stance. Munir told the court that Kohsar Police Station has attached section 505 in the first information report (FIR) which is a non-bailable offence. “Imran Khan gave a provocative statement,” said the prosecutor. But Awan told the court that a case was also registered at the Margalla Police Station, adding that ant-terrorism clauses were added in the FIR but it was removed on the orders of the high court. The judge then remarked that the public gathering was happening at the F-9 Park then how come section 144 applied to the case? He also remarked that the FIR does not include section 506-2, adding that there are bailable provisions in the case. After this, the court approved the bail of the PTI chairman. Last week, a session’s court had approved the interim bail plea of Khan till October 13 (today). Khan was booked in a case for threatening judicial magistrate Zeba Chaudhry and police officers at a rally in F-9 Park on August 20, to “terrorise” police officials and the judiciary. The main aim was to prevent the police officers and judiciary from carrying out their legal obligations, stated the FIR. The FIR was registered on the complaint of Magistrate Ali Javed at Islamabad's Margalla Police Station under Section 7 of ATA. However, the Islamabad High Court quashed the terror charges and directed to transfer the case to a relevant court under the remaining sections in the FIR on September 19. Following the order the anti-terrorism court, on September 20, transferred the case to a sessions court and removed the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) section from the case. On September 22, during a hearing of a contempt case in IHC, Imran Khan also requested the court to allow him to apologise to Judge Zeba Chaudhry in person.
UN assured full cooperation to PRCS for relief and rehabilitation of flood victims
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Pakistan Julien Harneis and Head of United Nation Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Ruth Mukwana have lauded the humanitarian efforts of PRCS in the flood-affected areas of Pakistan and said that UN will fully cooperate with Red Crescent in the rehabilitation and reconstruction phases. This was stated during their meeting with Chairman Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari in the UN office here on Thursday. Speaking on the occasion, PRCS Chairman Sardar Shahid Ahmad Laghari said that PRCS is undertaking several interventions in the flood-affected areas for the relief and rehabilitation of the flood-affected families. During the meeting, he highlighted some of the major health challenges of women, newborn babies and the outbreak of diseases in the flood hit areas of the country. Matters pertaining to provision of food, cash grant and supply of medicines to affected population were also discussed.
KHAIRPUR NATHAN SHAH: People hold coffins of the bus fire victims during funeral prayers. A deep sense of sorrow and grief over the loss of precious human lives due to a fire in a passenger coach near Nooriabad.
Chinese delegation reached Pakistan for flood management analysis
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: An 11-member delegation of Chinese experts arrived in Pakistan to share their technical knowledge and experience with the country regarding flood management analysis based on meteorological, hydrological, hydraulic, geospatial, and damages and losses datasets. The delegation, comprising mid to senior-level experts, during its stay has been holding meetings with line departments, field experts and will conduct field surveys of flood-affected areas, according to Gwadar Pro on Thursday. On the first day of the visit, the delegation was briefed by the Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Institutive (PD&SI), Ahsan Iqbal and officials from the National Flood Response Coordination Centre (NFRCC), NDMA, SUPARCO, and Meteorological Department at NFRCC on flood damages and the whole response to calamity from the government and humanitarian organizations. Mr. Iqbal welcomed the delegation from the “very dear and iron brother country China” and said that through post-disaster assessment, Pakistan will develop strategies for reconstruction and rehabilitation of the people. “We must reconstruct and rehabilitate our infrastructure to be more resilient and more adaptable to future climate change, “said Ehsan Iqbal, adding that Pakistan will get advices and guidances from the Chinese experts in building a very strong strategy to meet challenges of climate disasters in future. “I hope cooperation between NDMA and emergency services organizations in China will be very close (to us) in the future so that we can share our experiences and learn from each other,” he added. Xu Xianbiao, from Department of Flood Control and Drought Relief, Ministry of Emergency Management of China, said that in the wake of unforeseen catastrophic floods in Pakistan, the Chinese Government and people attached great sympathies and concern to the suffering people. Mr. Xu Xianbiao said that the Chinese Government has dispatched a delegation to work fast and accurately with experts from Pakistan to tackle the challenges. “By working together with Pakistani brothers and sisters, we will make sure that our advices will be based on the national factors, conditions of the affected places and the local development situation, so that the advices could be applied in short terms,” Xu Xianbiao said, adding, “We will be working together with Pakistani brothers, understanding their traditions and their habits in this mutual learning occasion”. Chairman NDMA, Lt. Gen Akhtar Nawaz Satti thanked the Chinese experts for their visit at this critical time of climate-induced catastrophe.
SC orders NAB to get Hamza summons published in newspaper
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: A Supreme Court divisional bench headed by Justice Ijazul Ahsan heard NAB's appeal against PML-N leader Hamza Shehbaz and ordered issuance of an advertisement in a newspaper regarding summons for the former Punjab chief minister. Deputy Prosecutor NAB said that the parties could not comply with the notices. Justice Ijazul Ahsan remarked that SC had earlier ordered LHC Registrar for compliance of summons and the LHC Registrar issued directive that court be informed 10 days before arresting Hamza Shehbaz. The observations of the Lahore High Court were challenged by the NAB. Earlier, a special court in Lahore on Wednesday acquitted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his son, Hamza Shehbaz, in an Rs16 billion money laundering case. The brief verdict, which was reserved earlier in the day, was announced by Judge Ijaz Hassan Awan. During Tuesday's hearing, the FIA had told the court that no direct transaction had been made in the bank accounts of PM Shehbaz and his son from benami (unnamed) accounts. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had booked Shehbaz and his two sons, Hamza and Suleman, in November 2020 under Sections 419, 420, 468, 471, 34 and 109 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, read with Section 3/4 of Anti-Money Laundering Act. The apex court adjourned the hearing for an indefinite period.
Solidarity expressed with martyr Altaf Shah’s bereaved family in Srinagar
Desk Report
SRINAGAR: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, a delegation of Jammu and Kashmir Muslim League (JKML), today, visited Baspura, Srinagar, and expressed sympathy and solidarity with the bereaved family members of martyred senior leader of All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), Altaf Ahmad Shah. According to Kashmir Media Service, the delegation included Abdul Ahad Para Farooq Ahmed Tawheedi, Riaz Ahmed, Hurriyat leaders Bilal Siddiqui, Shabbir Ahmad Dar and others. The delegation also went to Pandchak, Srinagar and condoled the demise of the father of Hurriyat leader Sajjad Gul. On the occasions, Abdul Ahad Parah shed light on the philosophy of life and death and conveyed the condolence messages of APHC Chairman Masarat Alam Butt to the bereaved families. Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) in a statement issued in Srinagar expressed profound grief and sorrow over the demise of its party activist Sajjad Gul's father Abdul Hameed Gill who breathed his last at a local hospital after a brief illness.
MMU denounces IIOJK authorities for allowing open selling of alcohol
Desk Report
SRINAGAR: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), the representative amalgam of religious, social and educational organisations, has strongly denounced the authorities' approval to the proposal for sale of alcohol in the departmental stores. The MMU in a statement issued in Srinagar said such directives show utter disregard for the tenants of Islam as Kashmir is a Muslim-majority territory. It said the open sale of alcohol in departmental stores will further promote addiction in Kashmir, especially among the youth, and will also encourage immoral behaviour. While consumption of alcohol is banned in many cities of India, why is it being encouraged in Kashmir? The MMU asked the authorities, adding that they should immediately withdraw this proposal and policy on alcohol and drugs use in IIOJK. Meanwhile, the MMU expressed resentment over the raid on the house of its Deputy Ameer Maulana Rehmatullah Mir Qasmi, Naazim-e-Aala of Darul Uloom Raheemiya in Bandipora.
LAHORE: Governor Punjab Muhammad Baligh Ur Rehman is presiding as chancellor at Governor House Lahore over the issue of payment of fees of Baloch students studying in universities of Punjab.
FIA arrests PTI leader Senator Azam Swati, gets his 2-day physical remand
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Federal Investigation Agency has arrested senior PTI leader and former federal minister Senator Azam Swati. Family sources on Thursday said that Azam Swat was taken into custody by the FIA personnel from Chak Shahzad during a late-night raid. Swati was arrested in connection with money laundering and foreign funding case. The FIA has nominated 11 party office-bearers including PTI Chairman and former PM Imran in the foreign funding case. Confirming the development, Babar Awan said the govt had arrested Swat in the dark of night. The FIA wasted no time and produced Azam Swati before district and sessions court in Islamabad and sought seven-day physical remand of the former minister. However, Senior Civil Judge Shabbir Bhatti approved physical remand for two days and directed the FIA to produce the accused on next hearing after his complete medical check-up. The court was told that Swati was arrested by the FIA’s Cyber Crime Cell. The court ordered immediate medical check-up of the PTI leader. A team of Babar Awan, Sardar Masroof Khan and Qaisar Jadoon represented Azam Swati in the court, who told the judge that the former minister was arrested only on political grounds and he was brutally tortured during the night.
