Time to act wisely
By Sardar Khan Niazi
Despite parliamentary democracy, the political governance of the country is facing innumerable ills. It shows a wide array of confrontation, competition, and control of state institutions and resources by the party in power. This trend of politics has tremendously weakened the formal accountability mechanisms and put governance in crisis. The role of protests, politics of repression, escalating political confrontation, a boycott of the national Parliament, and serious challenges of law and order, has left political observers wondering if there is any solution to the state of crisis the country is witnessing these days. Deep political divisions drive popular unrest. If political leaders continue to deepen these divisions, the county can chart a path toward healing its divisive politics. Certain developments have set the stage for a confrontation between the government and the opposition. This has opened the door to political instability, putting at risk the country’s economic recovery. As rumor has it, a recently leaked audio recording relating to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) emerged two days ago of Mr. Shehbaz Sharif talking about the appointment of his special assistants. In this latest leaked audio, an unknown person is most probably telling the Prime Minister that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Ayaz Sadiq has said that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is asking for a share in the selected Special Assistants to the Prime Minister (SAPM). A second voice, ostensibly that of Prime Minister Shehbaz, answers that PPP co-chair Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has talked to him about the matter. The unknown person answers back by saying, “we have to appoint Zafar Mahmood and Jahanzaib saheb.” “I will tell you the final number today, Sir,” he adds. In reply, the supposed voice of Shehbaz can be heard asking the person to “share the document”. “It’s not just the Peoples Party. There are others,” he says. The unknown man says that the “JUI and MQM will ask for it too”. “In the MQM there is a man named Malik Ahmed Ali. They are saying he had a critical role in reaching a deal with them,” he adds. The ostensible voice of the Prime Minister asks who he is talking about, to which the first voice states that “Ali is from Karachi”. The PTI chief Imran Khan has expressed concerns over a series of audio leaks, purportedly from both the PM House and the PM Secretariat. The secure line of Imran Khan at his residence was kept under surveillance as well. A small number of persons can find fault with the PTI chief’s concerns. These are very genuine concerns. If such sensitive data can be kept under surveillance from what is supposed to be the highest office in the land, one wonders how vulnerable the rest of our official sensitive government correspondence will be. When Imran Khan speaks of his own tenure, by insinuation, he also condemns the leaks from the office of his successor as well. The PDM government also should stop rejoicing every time audio of the former ruling party becomes public. Politicians need to comprehend that they all can confront this situation. What was the need of recording them after all? The need of the hour is for there to be a consensus against such illicit practices and for any political not to take such developments lying down. The tactics of the ruling leadership to drag Imran Khan into different cases are not good. Everyone has the right to speak. All the political parties forming the PDM government need to act maturely in the best interest of the country. Politics is for welfare not for warfare. The deterioration starts at the top and filters down to all levels of society. Hence the time for wisdom.
WANA: Corps Commander Peshawar, Lieutenant General Hassan Azhar Hayat visited South Waziristan District and met Tribal elders. He paid tribute to local people and tribal elders for their all-out support to Army in the war against terrorism and for efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and infrastructure bringing peace and stability to the area. -- By Malik Irfan Burki
Supreme Court issues written order on Article 63-A’s interpretation
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Friday issued a written order regarding the interpretation of Article 63-A of the Constitution with regard to the counting of the vote of a dissident member against the party policy in the House of Parliament. A 95-page majority judgment issued by the top court said a dissident member's vote cast against his party guidelines would not be counted, however, the period of disqualification of a dissident member should be determined by the Parliament. It further said the Constitution had mentioned the parliamentary party for the instructions, not the party head. "The members of Parliament have complete freedom of expression but this could not be demonstrated at the time of exercising the vote in the light of Article 63-A." The majority judgment rejected the objections raised on the admissibility of the presidential reference, saying the court had already given answers to the objections in another case. The decision said that if the prime minister or chief minister lost confidence in the parliamentary party then he had to face a vote of no-confidence. A member voting against party directives was destructive to the parliamentary democratic system, the apex court added. The right of assembly members to express their opinion had also been protected in the lawyers' front case, the verdict said. Members of the Assembly could discuss, agree or disagree within the party on the issue of vote, however, when "it comes to the voting, the situation would be different". The judgment said the parliamentary party's instructions had to be followed while voting under Article 63A. It was argued that not counting the dissident member's vote would give rise to authoritarianism in the parliamentary party but "we didn't agree with the argument". Counting votes cast against party policy was a threat to the democratic system, it added.
No concrete outcome of talks with TTP: Kh Asif
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Defence, Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Friday said the recent talks with the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) bore no concrete outcomes whereas the armed forces were fully capable to contain any threat to national security. Addressing the Arab News Pakistan Annual Conference 2022 as a keynote speaker, the Minister said the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) was under control and would be tackled amicably in case of any untoward situation. KhawajaAsif made it clear that the KP government should take cognizance whereas the federal government would support it in any case to counter terrorism. "It is very heartening to see public coming to streets on their own for their rights. I feel confident that the situation will be controlled. However, the recent revival of few terrorists is an expected spillover from Afghanistan," he said.
KARACHI: PTI Chairman Imran Khan is speaking on the occasion of the visit to the Sindh Bar Council.
IMF, WB, IsDB assure Pakistan of their continued support
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank (WB) and Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) have assured of their continued support to Pakistan at a time when the country was facing socioeconomic challenges owing to recent floods that have damaged economy badly. The assurances were made during the separate meetings of Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Mohammad Ishaq Dar with IMF Deputy Managing Director, Ms Antoinette Sayeh; President World Bank, David Malpass and IsDB President, Dr Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser. The IMF Deputy Managing Director appreciated the government’s policies and assured of IMF’s continued support to Pakistan, according to press statement received here Friday. Earlier, the finance minister apprised her of the damages caused by the unprecedented floods in Pakistan. He shared the GoP’s vision for stabilizing the economy and carrying out sustainable and resilient recovery. Dar in his meeting with President World Bank, David Malpass, thanked the bank for its continued support in the socioeconomic development of Pakistan and for its assistance for rescue and relief operations in the aftermath of the unprecedented devastating floods. World Bank President Malpass assured that the bank would continue to work with Pakistan government to help it overcome its socioeconomic challenges due to the floods, the statement added. The Finance Minister in a separate meeting with, Vice President WB’s South Asia Region, Martin Raiser thanked him for undertaking a visit to Pakistan to see firsthand the devastation caused by the floods. The visit helped in projecting the tremendous damages caused by the devastating floods. The Vice President assured that the Bank would continue to support Pakistan in overcoming the economic difficulties that the country was facing. The Minister also met with President of the Islamic Development Bank, Dr Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser and thanked him for bank’s continued engagement with Pakistan. He appreciated that Pakistan and the Bank had remained trusted partners for decades.
Terrorism won’t be allowed to take root again, says PM
Pakistan committed to further deepen cooperation with UK across multiple sectors: Shehbaz
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Friday that the terrorism won’t be allowed to again flourish in the country. The Prime Minister presided over an important meeting regarding the security situation of the country. Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and heads of intelligence agencies also participated in the meeting. According to the sources, the defense minister, interior minister, foreign affairs ministers also participated during the national security meeting. Sources said that the situation of Swat and the issues related to negotiations with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban were discussed in detail in the meeting and the security agencies presented their recommendations in the meeting. According to sources, another meeting was held with PM Shahbaz in chair. The Army Chief, DG ISI Lt. Gen. Nadeem Anjum and Corps Commander Peshawar participated in the meeting. According to the sources, security related to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and western borders was reviewed in the meeting and the PM was briefed on security related to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and western borders. Earlier, PM Shehbaz and COAS Gen Bajwa held a one-on-one meeting and discussed matters pertaining to national and internal security were discussed in detail while the overall peace and order situation of the country was also discussed. During the security meeting, a briefing was given on the law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. On the occasion, Shehbaz Sharif said that terrorism will not be allowed to flourish again, peace was restored in the country with great sacrifices and the sacrifices of the security forces in ending terrorism are unparalleled. The sacrifices of security personnel and people cannot be forgotten. While, relation with UK, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, stressing the historic nature of Pakistan-UK relationship, Friday reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to further deepen cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, security, defence, and culture and people-to-people linkages. He was talking to British Minister of State for South Asia & Commonwealth (FCDO) Lord Tariq Ahmad, who called on him here. The prime minister expressed satisfaction on the positive trajectory of trade and investment cooperation between two countries, noting that bilateral trade had reached £3.1 billion. He made special reference to the positive role played by the 1.6 million Pakistani diaspora in forging closer bonds between the peoples of both countries, a press release issued by the PM Media Wing said. Lord Ahmad expressed condolences on behalf of His Majesty’s Government on the loss of human lives due to the recent floods in Pakistan. The prime minister thanked him for the United Kingdom’s support towards flood relief efforts in Pakistan. -- PR
LAHORE: Provincial Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Muhammad Basharat Raja is presiding over the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Privatization, Finance Minister Muhammad Mohsin Khan Leghari is also present.
Value of the dollar should be reduced by twenty rupees: Mian Zahid Hussain
By Staff Reporter
KARACHI: Chairman of National Business Group Pakistan, President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum, and All Karachi Industrial Alliance, and former provincial minister Mian Zahid Hussain on Friday said friendly country China should waive or reschedule loans extended to Pakistan. Rescheduling loans worth twenty-three billion dollars will make repayments easy for Pakistan which is facing financial problems, he said. Mian Zahid Hussain said that the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank should release loans as soon as possible so that the rehabilitation work of the victims can be carried out in a vigorous manner and the upcoming crops are not affected. Talking to the business community, the veteran business leader said that Pakistan and China have always supported each other and both countries have the same position on regional and global issues. Both countries are each other's best friends, so China should either waive the loans or defer the loans, he added. The business leader said that if China does not want to waive the loans given to Pakistan, it can reduce the interest so that the financial pressure on Pakistan is reduced to some extent. He said that unnecessary imports should be kept under strict control and no one should be allowed to use the back door of smuggling. The value of the dollar has recovered somewhat after falling for thirteen days, but its value should not be allowed to increase further because its stability destabilizes the rupee, while the business community holds decisions to reduce the prices of their products. Mian Zahid Hussain further said that in order to provide relief to the public, the value of the dollar needs to be brought below 200 rupees, for which further steps should be taken. A reduction in the value of the dollar by more than 200 rupees will reduce inflation and the people will be relieved. Some international organizations are frequently portraying the Pakistani economy negatively and are busy releasing disappointing figures that should be taken into account. According to some organizations, poverty, inflation and current account deficit in Pakistan will increase while production and employment will be reduced while the growth rate will decrease. He said that the government should accelerate efforts to control inflation, restore the economy and provide relief to the people and pay special attention to increasing the production of food items so that the food security situation remains under control.
Rumors about the death of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui baseless says Dr. Fowzia
By Staff Reporter
KARACHI: The rumors about the death of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, the Pakistani woman scientist who is in a prison, are baseless. The purpose of this unconfirmed news is to down the moral of the nation. The foreign office should immediately tell the nation about the real facts, said a statement released from Aafia Movement media cell here Friday. It said the telephonic contact of Aafia Siddiqui with her family has been cut off for last many years. It said we have no direct source for confirmation about this development. The government should inform the nation about life and health of Dr. Aafia. It said previously such rumors about the death of Dr. Aafia were spread especially on social media to give a mental torture to Aafia family and to dampen the moral of Pakistani nation. It urged the nation to keep its moral high and stay united. It said that Aafia supporters have announced to hold peaceful protests in Pakistan and USA and after this the spread of these rumors is not a strange thing. It said any person can open the website of US federal bureau of prisons and write inmate number of Aafia (90279054) to get online information about Dr Aafia. However, Aafia Movement Pakistan leader and noted neurophysician of the country Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui said that the purpose of Aafia Movement is to restore the honor and respect of common Pakistani citizens, besides securing early release of Aafia. She appealed to the nation to keep united and avoid spreading false news and rumors.
LHC suspends arrest warrant of Rana Sanaullah Khan
By Staff Reporter
RAWALPINDI: The Lahore High Court (LHC) Rawalpindi Bench on Friday suspended Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan's arrest warrant issued in an alleged land scam case. Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan of the Rawalpindi Bench of the LHC heard the petition seeking the withdrawal of the non-bailable arrest warrant against the interior minister. Rawalpindi’s Senior Civil Judge (Criminal Division) Ghulam Akbar had issued the arrest warrant for Rana Sanaullah over his alleged failure to join the investigation in the case. The petition noted that under Section 76 of the CrPC, the court can authorise the investigating officer to receive bail bonds. Further, the petition had accused the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) of “misrepresenting” facts in obtaining the arrest warrant. "Rana Sanaullah is in Islamabad, not hiding anywhere, so the warrant of arrest should be withdrawn and the investigating officer should be ordered to receive bail bonds," the plea stated. During the proceedings on Friday, LHC barred ACE from arresting the minister and from conducting raids based on the warrant while issuing a notice to the anti-corruption unit’s investigation team demanding case records. Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan has stopped the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Punjab from taking any actions on the arrest warrant including the minister’s arrest and raids in the case. Meanwhile, the ACE has been issued a notice by the Rawalpindi bench in which it has sought records related to the case. The development came following a petition filed by the interior minister’s counsel advocate Razzaq A. Mirza on his behalf, which stated that the ACE has obtained the warrant through misrepresentation. ACE has now been ordered to appear before the court on October 17 (Monday). It may be noted that ACE had alleged that the interior minister purchased two plots in Bismillah Housing Scheme located in Kallar Kahar area at a price lower than the scheduled rate. It further claimed that both plots were given to Sanaullah as a 'bribe'. “Record reflects that [the] contention of the IO [investigation officer] is genuine, hence, the same is accepted in the interest of justice and a non-bailable warrant of arrest of the accused namely Rana Sana Ullah Khan s/o Sher Muhammad is issued accordingly,” the Rawalpindi’s Senior Civil Judge (Criminal Division) Ghulam Akbar had stated in the earlier order. The court documents showed that an FIR No 20/19 under Sections 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property), 467 (forgery of valuable security, will, etc.,) 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating), 471 (using as genuine a forged document), and 109 (punishment of abetment) read with Section 5(2) (criminal misconduct) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947, had been registered against the minister. As per the documents, ACE had maintained before the court that the minister was nominated in the FIR and that his arrest was necessary for the case. It merits mention here that Punjab Home Adviser Omer Sarfraz Cheema on Thursday directed the IG Punjab to ensure arrest of Minister for Interior Rana Sanaullah Khan.
Dengue cases increases due to change in weather: Asif Chaudhry
By Staff Reporter
MULTAN: Secretary Housing and Urban Planning South Punjab Muhammad Asif Chaudhry has said that due to the change in weather, the risk of dengue fever has increased, which is also increasing the number of dengue patients. He said that Measures are being taken on an emergency basis to prevent dengue in Multan and house-to-house larva destruction measures are in progress, he expressed these views while presiding over a meeting regarding dengue prevention at Circuit House . Additional Deputy Commissioner General Rizwan. Nazir was also present, Secretary Housing and Urban Planning Muhammad Asif Chaudhry said that the district administration and the health department have been given the task of conducting a vigorous campaign against dengue and cases have also been registered against the owners of houses and commercial properties who do not improve sanitation arrangements. Secretary Housing said that the citizens should fully cooperate with the dengue teams and after asking for formal identification, they should allow the screening of the houses.
Four more deaths reported as dengue fever cases keep growing
By Staff Reporter
LAHORE: Pakistan continues to face a growth in the number of dengue fever cases as four more deaths were reported. Three patients died in Karachi while one died in Khyber Pakhtunkhuwa. After three deaths in Karachi, total deaths by dengue in Sindh reached up to 49. While 381 cases were reported in the province in last 24 hours. On the other hand, after one more death in KP, the death toll from the disease reached up to 13 in the province. While 398 cases were reported in the province in last 24 hours with which the total number of cases in the province have reached up to 13,221. Total number of cases in Peshawar has reached up to 5,415, Mardan reported 2,947cases, 910 in Khyber and 748 cases were reported in Nowshera.
Celebrations of Multan to be held in Mati Tal Employees Housing Colony
By Staff Reporter
MULTAN: Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Tahir Vitto has said that it has been decided to celebrate Multan to provide entertainment opportunities to the citizens in which the culture of this region including Multan will be highlighted. He said that from October 22 under the management of the district administration. The two-day celebration will begin with the Multan Cultural Show He expressed these views yesterday while presiding over the meeting of the district departments. In the meeting, the arrangements for the two-day celebration of Multan were reviewed. Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Tahir Vitto while addressing said that there will be equestrian, javelin and various competitions in the 2-day cultural show. Celebrations of Multan will be held in Mati Tal Employees Housing Colony. Tahir Vitto said that the culture of this region will be promoted by horse riding and javelin while cavalrymen from all over the country will participate in javelin competitions. Tahir Vitto said that The entry of families and citizens will be free in Jashan Multan. For the interest of fans, all the colors of Punjab culture will be fully represented in the venue. Tahir Vitto said that free shuttle service will also be run for citizens to Mati Tal.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Zulfiqar Ahmed paid a surprise visit to Burhan Check Post
By Tahir Nakash
Attock: On the instructions of Deputy Commissioner Attock Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Zulfiqar Ahmed paid a surprise visit to Burhan check post. He checked the attendance of the staff at the check post and asked them to be vigilant all the time to prevent smuggling of fertiliser, flour and wheat. He instructed the officials on duty to keep a close watch on all freight vehicles. Immediate and strict legal action will be taken against the elements involved in wheat and fertilizer smuggling. The inspection at the check post will continue. A meeting was held in DC Office Attock in connection with Punjab deworming campaign which was presided over by Additional Deputy Commissioner General Attock Zulfikar Ahmed. In the meeting CEO Education Attock Malik Fateh Khan, DEO Secondary Attock Akram Zia, DE O Elementary Attock Shahnaz Qadir, DEO Attock Literacy Danish Gul and other concerned officers attended. The participants of the meeting were told that from November 1st to November 4th, 460,000 children aged between 04 to 14 years will be given stomach worm medicine in all schools of Attock district and in this regard, 2100 teachers will be given special training from October 24th to October 29th. All relevant departments will play a full role in this campaign.
CHANGE/CORRECTION IN FATHER'S NAME
I Maryam Majeed Tiwana have been passed secondary school certificate annual examination 2022 under roll number 705516 from B.I.S.E., Sargodha. My father’s name is Muhammad Majeed Kamal whereas on certificate has been mentioned as Muhammad Majeed Tiwana which is incorrect. I want to get changed my father’s name from Muhammad Majeed Tiwana to Muhammad Majeed Kamal. If any pe son/organization/agency have any objection, than the same may be intimated in writing within 15 days to the secretary, Board of intermediate & Secondary Education, near 49-tail Faisalabad road, 0Sargodha.
CHANGE/CORRECTION IN FATHER'S NAME
I Ayesha Safdar have been passed secondary school certificate annual examination 2022 under roll number 700271 from B.I.S.E., Sargodha. My father’s name is Safdar Hussain Khan whereas on certificate has been mentioned as Safdar Hussain which is incorrect. I want to get changed my father’s name from Safdar Hussain Khan to Safdar Hussain. If any person/organization/agency have any objection, than the same may be intimated in writing within 15 days to the secretary, Board of intermediate & Secondary Education, near 49-tail Faisalabad road, Sargodha.
Police have important responsibility in peaceful conduct of election: Khurram Shehzad
Rawalpindi reports 76 new dengue cases – health ministry
By Staff Reporter
RAWALPINDI: Dengue onslaught continues in Rawalpindi as 76 new cases have been registered in the last 24 hours, the provincial health ministry announces on Friday. According to the data provided by the health ministry Punjab, 76 new dengue cases were reported in multiple hospitals. At least 102 new cases are under treatment in Benazir Bhutto hospital, 75 in DHQ, and 42 in the Holy Family hospital. Dengue epidemic grips multiple regions of the country after devastating floods wreaked havoc in the majority of the country. In the last 24 hours, Balochistan reports another 75 new dengue cases, while the provincial capital Quetta did not report any new cases. According to the statistics issued by the Health Department, 75 new dengue cases were reported in Balochistan in the last 24 hours. Lasbela reported 30 new cases, Kech 28, and Gawadar reported 17 new cases. The total number of the viral disease cases in the country has gone up to 4,228, 3091 out of the total cases reported in the Kech district. This year, the mosquito-borne virus has claimed 84 deaths, most of them reported from flood-hit Sindh province. This year 12,947 dengue cases have been reported in Sindh with 43 deaths, according to sources.
Nepra approves reduction of Rs4.89 per unit in FCA for KE consumers
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) approved on Friday a reduction of Rs4.89 per unit for K-Electric (KE) consumers on account of fuel cost adjustment (FCA) for electricity consumed in August. Meanwhile, the power regulator raised the price by Rs0.19 per unit for the consumers of ex-Wapda Distribution Companies (Discos), also on account of FCA for the month of August. Changes in both rates will be reflected in the bills for October. In its notification for adjustment in electricity rates of KE, Nepra said the negative FCA would be applicable to all consumer categories except lifeline consumers, domestic consumers using up to 300 units, agriculture consumers and electric vehicle charging stations. “It is hereby clarified that the negative adjustment on account of monthly FCA is also applicable to domestic consumers having Time of Use meters irrespective of their consumption level,” it added. In a separate notification for change in Disco rates, the power regulator said that the rise in electricity price was applicable to all consumer categories except electric vehicle charging stations and lifeline consumers. “While effecting the fuel adjustment charges, the discos concerned shall keep in view and strictly comply with the orders of the court notwithstanding this order,” Nepra said. Now you can follow Dawn Business on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business, finance and tech from Pakistan and across the world.
CIA Police foil attempt to smuggle drugs through gallant policing
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) of Islamabad Police has filed an attempt to smuggle narcotics and recovered a cache of hashish, a police public relations officer said. He said that, Capital Police Officer Operations Sohail Zafar Chatha had ordered all zonal officers to curb the crime in their respective areas and arrest those involved in criminal activities and looting innocent people. Following these directions, a police team of CIA foiled a bid to smuggle drugs in a vehicle and arrested two accused. The accused were identified as Muhammad Yasir and Wahid Ullah. The Police team also recovered 21,200 gram hashish and a vehicle from their possession. Case has been registered against the accused at Bhara Kahu police station and further investigation is underway. During preliminary investigation the accused confessed to smuggling drugs from KPK to different districts of Punjab. Capital Police Officer Operations Sohail Zafar Chatha has appreciated the performance of the police team and said that Islamabad police is making all possible efforts for the safety and security of citizens. He also requested the citizens to inform police in case of any such suspicious activity in their areas.
CDA presents action plan on dengue to federal ombudsman
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Ombudsman taking cognizance of the outbreak of Dengue had took notice on 29th September, 2022 and directed the Ministry of Health Services, Regulation and Coordination and CDA to present an action plan to eliminate large scale of prevalence of dengue in ICT. The Chairman CDA has presented its Action Plan to meet this menace in Islamabad and adjoining areas. CDA submitted that 1177 cases of dengue including 910 in Islamabad have been reported so far and most affected areas are G-7,G-6 and G-11. It also stated that most of the dengue larva was found in the areas of G-6, G-7, F-6,F-7, I-9 and I-8 Sectors.
Seminar and walk organized in Poultry Research Institute Rawalpindi in connection with 'World Egg Day'
By Staff Reporter
RAWALPINDI: A seminar and walk was organized in Poultry Research Institute Rawalpindi in connection with 'World Egg Day'. 'Egg Day' is celebrated globally on the second Friday of October every year. A cooking competition was also organized on this occasion and cash prizes and shields were distributed among the participants. In the seminar and walk, Director Poultry Research Institute Dr. Syed Muhammad Kamal Nasir, Chief Executive Modern Poultry John Muhammad Javed, Chairman Pakistan Poultry Association Chaudhry Muhammad Ashraf, Chief Executive Quality Poultry Dr. Hasan Sarosh Akram, Dr. Shoaib SB Group and former Director General ( Research) Livestock Punjab Dr. Abdul Rahman also participated. Addressing the seminar, Dr. Syed Muhammad Kamal Nasir said that the poultry sector is playing an important role in alleviating malnutrition in the country. He said that Pakistan is at par with most of the developing countries of the world in terms of egg production.
COMSTECH Celebrates World Food Day, “Leave No One Behind”
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: COMSTECH in partnership with UPSIGN, SAWIE, ICCFS, IFS & Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) celebrated world food day. The slogan for world food day this year was “Leave No One Behind”. To mark this year’s World Food Day, keynote talks and panel discussions were arranged with experts from all over the world with several years of experience in Agri-food research systems. The webinar discussed the key challenge faced by our food system from climate change and other threats. The experts said that our food system is suffering from malnutrition and food security. The debate uncovered how sustainable use of natural resources could help to enhance productivity, soil health, water, and the role of biodiversity. The question of how can we address the food production crisis, protecting our soil microbes, plants, animals & natural capital, and produce healthy food to support a healthy life and a healthy planet was discussed. The panelists also discussed the way forward to address the impact of COVID and recent floods in Pakistan on food security. They talked about how the research, and knowledge exchange of good practices could be translated to develop climate change adaptation strategies, mitigation, and what specific measures can be taken to support the climate crisis victims. The panelists pondered upon creating the resilient growth that does not leave anyone behind. The experts noted that Pakistan is one of the top ten countries which are most vulnerable to the climate change crisis. They agreed that the climate change disaster has affected its food system with extreme heat, droughts, unpredicted rain patterns, and attacks from invasive species of pests & diseases. COMSTECH the OIC Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, joined hands with the leading research, academic & farming organizations from Pakistan and around the world for hosting the World Food Day celebration.
Al-Shifa observes World Sight Day
By Staff Reporter
RAWALPINDI: President Al-Shifa Trust General (r) Rehmat Khan on Friday said according to World Health Organization, 2.2 billion people around the world live with vision impairment or blindness of which one billion people have conditions that could have been prevented. He said that almost two million people were prone to eye-related diseases in Pakistan while eighty percent of them could be cured with timely intervention. Briefing media on World Sight Day, a global event meant to draw attention to blindness and vision impairment, he said that one of the major obstacles in providing eye care to the needy is the lack of the required facilities. General (r) Rehmat Khan said that we need to accelerate efforts to ensure that everyone, everywhere has equitable access to high-quality and comprehensive eye health services. He added that Al-Shifa is trying its best to serve as many patients as possible with a focus on children. He said that we have organized awareness talks and hospital activities in this regard. Prof. Dr. Tayyab Afghani, Senior Consultant, and HOD Orbit and Oculoplastics at Al-Shifa also spoke on the occasion and raised awareness about eye care in various age groups. He informed that the prevalence of blindness in Pakistan is mostly related to an increase in population and delays on the part of patients and their families to consult a doctor. The ophthalmologists in the awareness session advised the parents to ensure timely eye checkups of their kids. If a child complains of headaches and watery eyes, there is a high likelihood that he suffers from poor eyesight. Parents must not delay consultations with a pediatric eye specialist. The doctors also discussed the effects of diabetes on the eyes and advised the patients to have their eye checkups by vitreo-retina specialists.
Government urged to help reviving women businesses in flood-hit areas
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President, Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) said that a large number of women businesses have been destroyed in flood-hit areas due to which women entrepreneurs are facing great hardships and urged that the federal and provincial governments should come forward to provide support to businesswomen of rural areas in reviving their businesses. He said this while addressing the 15th Annual Rural Women Leadership Conference 2022 organized by ICCI in collaboration with National Commission on the Status of Women and Potohar Organization for Development Advocacy (PODA). Women from four provinces of Pakistan, Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir attended the event. Ahsan Bakhtawari said that ICCI is ready to connect the women entrepreneurs of rural areas with online platforms like Amazon so that they could get easy access to international markets to improve exports and earn more foreign exchange for the country. He assured that ICCI can organize exhibitions of the products of rural businesswomen to showcase their potential for trade export. Nilofar Bakhtiar, Chairperson, National Commission on the Status of Women in her address said that economic empowerment and financial inclusion of women is the best option to reduce poverty and promote prosperity in the country. She shared the initiatives of her organization to promote gender equality and empowerment of women. She thanked ICCI for hosting the women conference and hoped that such conferences would help change the role of rural women from vulnerability to change makers by building linkages and partnerships with others. Sameena Nazir, Founding President, PODA said that women entrepreneurs in rural areas are exporting their products to many countries, but the destruction of their businesses due to recent floods have created financial problems for them. She stressed that all stakeholders including the government should support them in reviving their businesses. She further emphasized that the government should take measures to empower the women of rural areas of Pakistan that would equip them with the confidence to stand up and claim their equal place in society. Many women entrepreneurs from rural areas of Pakistan shared their success stories and highlighted the issues being faced by them in running business activities in rural areas. Azhar ul Islam Zafar Vice President ICCI, Zafar Bakhtawari, Zubair Ahmed Malik, Muhammad Ejaz Abbasi, Ms. Fatima Azim, Ms. Parveen Khan, Ms. Nasira Ali and others were also present at the occasion.
Pakistan reports 62 coronavirus cases, no death in 24 hours
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reported no death in the last 24 hours by novel coronavirus as the number of confirmed positive cases has surged to 1,573, 283. The nationwide tally of fatalities stands at 30,620 on Friday. According to the latest figures by the National Institute of Health (NIH), at least 62 persons were tested positive for COVID-19 across the country in the past 24 hours. Pakistan has conducted 11,779 tests in the past 24 hours out of which 62 persons were tested positive for the disease. The COVID Positivity Ratio was recorded at 0.53 percent.
PAC organized Calligraphy exhibition
By Staff Reporter
RAWALPINDI: An exhibition of Islamic calligraphy was organized in Punjab Arts Council in connection with the blessed month of Rabi-ul-Awal. The exhibition was jointly inaugurated by the Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers and Commerce, Raja Muhammad Anwar, and the Director of the Arts Council, Waqar Ahmed. More than 50 works of Islamic calligraphy by young artists were displayed in the exhibition. The special guest Raja Muhammad Anwar said that all the art pieces displayed in the exhibition are excellent. The young painters expressed their deep love for Allah and the Holy Prophet by painting the Quranic verses on the canvas. The Messenger of Allah (S.A.W) is dearer to all Muslims than their own lives.T he chief guest further said that Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry is working with the Punjab Arts Council to promote culture. In the near future, arts, literature and performing arts programs will be organized through the Punjab Arts Council. Punjab Arts Council is in true sense the guardian of the culture of Punjab province, the lost crafts, customs and traditions have been taken care of by Punjab Arts Council. Director of Arts Council Waqar Ahmad said that Punjab Arts Council is the biggest institution for promoting art, culture, literature and performing arts in Punjab province. The establishment of arts councils in 9 divisions and 4 districts in Punjab shows the importance of the government to the promotion of culture in the province.In the coming years, the construction of Arts Council will also be started in Kasur, Nankana Sahib, Mianwani, Taunsa Sharif. Finally, he congratulated all the children who participated in the exhibition. At the end of the ceremony, the young artists were given shields and Credentials were also distributed.
ISLAMABAD: Khateeb Faisal Mosque, Dr. Muhammad Zaheer, delivering the Friday sermon on the topic of "Service to Mankind in the Light of Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH)", at the Jamia Masjid of Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad. The Friday sermon at Aiwan-e-Sadr is broadcast live to highlight the teachings of Islam on different topics of social importance.
President asks FOSPAH to give opportunity GM PEMRA in harassment case
ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi has remanded the case of the accused General Manager (GM) of PEMRA, who was awarded punishment ex-parte in a case of sexual harassment preferred by a female employee of PEMRA, to the Federal Ombudsman for Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplace (FOSPAH) to give him an opportunity being heard. The President gave these directions while deciding on a representation filed by the GM of PEMRA against the orders of FOSPAH, wherein he was found guilty of being an abettor to DG, PEMRA who was found guilty of sexually harassing a female colleague and was awarded the major penalty of “dismissal from service” and a fine of Rs 2.5 million by the President. The President said that since FOSPAH decided the case ex-parte while the accused GM was on ex-Pakistan leave due to fear of threats to his life, therefore, he should be given a proper opportunity of being heard in line with the principles of natural justice. The President held that since the accused GM and his lawyer had assured his availability through video conference for recording the testimony and cross-examination, therefore, the case was remanded to FOSPAH for a de-novo hearing. He advised that the decision should be finalized within 60 days. The President rejected the stance of the accused GM that he was not impleaded as a party in the original complaint preferred by the complainant and was only accused at a later stage. He observed that in our social and cultural setting, where prevailing notions of family honour and taboos play a dominant role, it was not easy for a woman to speak up about such deeply disturbing incidents. “There is also the apprehension of counter-allegations hurled against her character by the delinquent. For these and other reasons, many cases of sexual harassment remain unreported. Victims of sexual harassment who exhibit the courage to report the matter against all odds should not, therefore, be turned away on the ground of delay in lodging the complaint”, he added. -- PR
LAHORE: Dr. Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Al-Aesa, Imam of the Hajj Sermon in Makkah, is leading Friday prayers in the Badshahi Mosque.
Terrorist responsible for attack on Karachi dental clinic arrested
By Staff Reporter
KARACHI: The main accused behind firing at the dental clinic in Karachi was Friday arrested. According to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), the accused belonged to the banned Sindh Revolutionary Army (SRA). Raids were being conducted for the arrest of his accomplices. The accused had entered the dental clinic and shot a Canadian citizen of Pakistani origin dead and injured two doctors. Meanwhile, Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon told the media that a sad incident had happened at the dental clinic in Saddr, Karachi. “One doctor was killed and two others were injured due to firing by the terrorists,” he added. “The terrorists have been arrested through a joint action by the institutions,” he stated. “The law-enforcement agencies are doing a good work. The movement of the terrorists had been examined through CCTV footage,” he told the media. He added that the Sindh CM had tasked the Sindh IGP with arresting the killers. He said that the CTD monitored the movement of the terrorists on cameras with the help of modern technology and arrested them.
UK to provide additional £10 million aid for flood relief supplies
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The United Kingdom (UK) will provide an additional £10 million of life-saving humanitarian support for Pakistan’s flood relief efforts. The additional humanitarian aid was announced by Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon, UK Minister of State for South Asia (FCDO), during his visit to Pakistan. In addition to the UK’s £26.5 million donation in humanitarian funding, a UK Royal Air Force flight recently delivered eight boats and ten portable generators for flood relief operations. The extra support will be spent on urgent life-saving needs such as providing shelter, water, and sanitation to prevent waterborne diseases. It will focus on supporting people who are still displaced and those returning to their land by helping re-establish communal water supplies, according to a statement issued by the British High Commission Islamabad on Friday. In his statement, the UK Minister of State for South Asia, FCDO, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon said, “The UK continues to help the people of Pakistan recover from the recent devastating floods. Our support will help to tackle the spread of waterborne diseases and to improve access to clean water, sanitation, medical care, and shelter across the country”. He added, “We are working night and day with Pakistan and our international partners to ensure that UK aid reaches the hardest hit areas. As well as helping with urgent life-saving needs, the UK is supporting Pakistan’s economic recovery and resilience against future climate disasters. He said the UK’s new Developing Countries Trading Scheme would help grow trade by giving duty-free access to 94% of goods exported from Pakistan to the UK. During his visit to Pakistan, Lord Ahmad will meet the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and other government counterparts to discuss the impact of the floods, visit the areas most affected and speak with key UK-funded aid agencies on the ground in Sindh. The Minister will also meet with key Government counterparts, community leaders, and aid agencies to discuss the response to the humanitarian crisis and long-term recovery for the country.
IGP Islamabad restructures Islamabad Capital Police on new lines
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: On the special instructions of Federal Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan, Inspector General of Police Islamabad Dr Akbar Nasir Khan has restructured the Islamabad Capital Police on new lines to make the Operations Division more efficient in view of the law and order situation, a police public relations officer said. He said that, IGP Islamabad has developed the Islamabad Capital Police on new lines in view of the crime prevention and law and order situation in the federal capital. In view of the facilities to the citizens at the police station level, two officers will be deployed along with the SHOs and 50 more motorcycles and 150 officers will be assigned to the patrolling staff for more effective patrolling and better response. The IGP said Patrolling duties will be monitored by an officer of SP rank, safe city cameras will be used for traffic management, which will work under the supervision of the Chief Traffic Officer.
PTI demands PEMRA action against Sanaullah’s remarks against IK
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has approached Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to lodge a complaint against Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah over his objectionable remarks against Imran Khan. PTI central leader Iftikhar Durrani wrote a letter to PEMRA in which he stated that Rana Sanaullah delivered objectionable remarks against Imran during a TV show aired by a private news channel on October 13. Durrani said in his letter that Sanaullah used abusive and condemnable language from the beginning of the TV show. He said that PEMRA regulations do not tolerate the use of shameful words in the national media. He added that the TV show host has neither stopped Sanaullah from delivering abusive remarks nor his comments were censured. The objectionable statement was issued on broadcast and social media without any changes. Durrani asked the PEMRA chairman to take notice of the objectionable content of the TV show and the private news channel besides ordering private channel’s administration to remove content from broadcast and social media. He also demanded action against the TV show’s producer, director, editor and other concerned staffers.
Weekly inflation eases by 0.57 percent
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) based weekly inflation for the week ended on Oct 13 for the combined consumption group witnessed a decrease of 0.57 percent as compared to the previous week. The SPI for the week under review in the above-mentioned group was recorded at 204.55 points against 205.73 points registered in the previous week, according to the latest data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) statement on Friday. As compared to the corresponding week of last year, the SPI for the combined consumption group in the week under review witnessed an increase of 28.44 percent. The weekly SPI with base year 2015-16 =100 is covering 17 urban centers and 51 essential items for all expenditure groups. The SPI for the lowest consumption group up to Rs 17,732 witnessed 0.79 percent decrease and went down to 210.05 points from last week’s 211.73 points.
Kashmir dispute has become focus of world’s attention after Modi regime’s Aug 2019 move: Ali Raza Syed
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The Chairman of Kashmir Council European Union, Ali Raza Syed, has said the Kashmir dispute has become a special focus of attention at the global level after Narendra Modi-led Indian fascist government's illegal actions of August 05, 2019. According to Kashmir Media Service, Ali Raza Syed was addressing a seminar at National University of Modern Languages (NUML) in Islamabad. "Although Kashmir has been an internationally recognized dispute for the past over seven decades, but after August 2019, this conflict has once again become the focus of the world's special attention," he said. He said along with revoking Kashmir's special status, India has changed the domicile law of IIOJK to bring people from Indian states to settle them in the territory. Work on this conspiracy has already started, he added. Ali Raza Syed maintained that many political leaders of occupied Kashmir, human rights activists and journalists are imprisoned in jails of India and the territory and their lives are in danger.
AJK LB elections to be held on November 27
Desk Report
MUZAFFARABAD: The Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has announced the schedule of local bodies’ elections and the local bodies elections will be held on November 27. According to the Azad Kashmir Election Commission, nomination papers must be submitted between October 14 and October 21, after which they will be scrutinized and the final list will be made public on October 22. The commission also stated that voting will take place on election day from 8 am to 5 pm and results will be announced as soon as the polling is over.
World urged to take note of Hurriyat leaders' custodial killings by India
Desk Report
SRINAGAR: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir; All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) leader Syed Bashir Andrabi has urged the international community, particularly the United Nations, to take notice of the custodial killings of Hurriyat leaders by India. According to Kashmir Media Service, Syed Bashir Andrabi in a statement issued in Srinagar said the custodial killing of APHC leader Altaf Ahmad Shah, is asking the international rights organizations as for what crime he was put to death. He said the only crime of the Kashmiri people is that they are demanding their birthright to self-determination, promised to them by the Indian leaders at the United Nations. The APHC leader deplored Indian troops are killing innocent people in the occupied territory on a daily basis. He called upon the international human rights organizations to take notice of the inhuman actions of the Indian troops in IIOJK. Syed Bashir Andrabi said Kashmiri people can sacrifice their lives but will never accept India's slavery. He said that India wanted the land of Kashmir and not its people.
SIA files chargesheet against journalist, PhD scholar in IIOJK
Desk Report
SRINAGAR: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir; the State Investigation Agency (SIA) has filed a chargesheet in a National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Srinagar against a digital magazine editor and a PhD scholar in a false case. Indian police arrested Prominent Kashmiri journalist Fahad Shah on February 04 under black law, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) on the charges of publishing anti-India content. Similarly, the police on April 17 arrested a PhD scholar of the University of Kashmir, Abdul Aala Fazili, who is also a journalist, for writing an article in an online magazine.
Pakistanis overwhelmingly laud China's support: Survey
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Almost all Pakistanis have a very positive view of Iron Brother China and its consistent support to Pakistan and they consider China as their trusted friend, a survey revealed, according to Gwadar Pro on Friday. As part of the Sinophone Borderlands public opinion survey in Pakistan in June 2022, over 1,200 Pakistani respondents were asked two open-ended questions about their perception of China. Respondents are drawn from all regions of Pakistan and included a representative sample of age groups and genders. The same questions have also been asked in many other countries but Pakistanis gave the most positive answers. The first survey question asks what first comes to people’s minds when thinking of China. The most common answers, as the word cloud reveals, were “friend,” “best friend,” “good friend,” and “trusted friend.” Chinese people are perceived as friendly and hardworking. The country itself is seen as being strong, and developed, with many respondents labeling it a superpower.
ISLAMABAD: Secretary Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan, Sher Alam Mehsood chairing a meeting to review preparations in connection with Kashmir Black Day in Islamabad.
