Daily The Patriot edition of 21-09-22

Governor Punjab appraises NSPP's role in training civil servant

By Our Correspondent

LAHORE: Governor of Punjab Muhammad Balighur Rehman attended as a special guest the inaugural two-day conference on Social Policy Financing at the National School of Public Policy (NSPP) in Lahore. On this occasion, Dr. Ijaz Munir, Rector of the National School of Public Policy, Dr. Safdar Sohail, Dean of the National School of Public Policy, and others were present. The National School of Public Policy is playing a significant role in teaching civil employees and equipping them to confront the problems of good governance and the delivery of public services, according to Governor Punjab Muhammad Balighur Rehman, who spoke at the conference. He expressed his happiness at learning that the School of Public Policy supported internal research and think tanks. He claimed that the National School of Public Policy is actively contributing to national public policy studies. The governor of Punjab stated that closer ties between the government, bureaucracy, and development organisations are required. According to him, the National School of Public Policy should work with the finest colleges in the nation to conduct research and hold talks on crucial issues. According to Punjab Governor Muhammad Balighur Rehman, the GDP rate in the fields of education and health has decreased rather than increased during the past four years. In order to provide facilities for education and healthcare, the nation's economic growth and the tax to GDP ratio must both be raised. Public policy discourse, according to him, is a smart idea. The governor of Punjab expressed his delight at the conference's inclusion of the greatest officers. He added that it was crucial for the officers to use the resources honestly, carefully, and appropriately in order to enhance society. Dr. Ijaz Munir, rector of the National School of Public Policy, provided clarification on the goals and objectives of the Social Policy Financing Conference on this occasion. He added that one goal of the conference was to use researchers to emphasise the connection between Pakistan's prosperity and integrated social policies.

Except for Karachi, all districts' development budgets in Sindh are frozen

By Our Correspondent

KARACHI: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) led provincial government of Sindh has frozen the development budget of all districts except Karachi’s seven districts as the province suffers from heavy flooding. The Department of Planning and Development has notified all pertinent authorities about the freezing of funding and issued a notification to that effect. A budget of Rs332 billion for 4158 projects across the province was announced by the government. According to insiders, the money has been frozen so that it can be utilised for relief and rescue efforts instead. The Rs118 billion development fund for Karachi has been made available, of which Rs20 billion has been spent thus far. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the Department of Irrigation, and Deputy Commissioners each received Rs10.84 billion. Funds were also issued for rescue operations and the repair of river and dam boundaries.

Imran khan public meeting is model of miss management

By Our Correspondent

CHAKWAL: Senior journalist Khawaja Babar Saleem Mahmood said on Tuesday that how many people were there in Imran Khan's Chakwal rally? In general, contradictory claims are always made about the rallies; however, Imran Khan's rally was full of enthusiasm. It was unique, but due to the mismanagement, the organizers of the meeting faced intense fear for one and a half hours and Imran Khan himself, who was brought to the stage ahead of time, continued to see the scene of the empty field with his own eyes for one and a half hours. When the various processions reached the meeting hall, the situation of the meeting improved, in these processions, Hafiz Amar Yasir, Wasim Karamat Awan, Syed Najamul Hasan Hashmi, the large procession of Latifal group managed the situation, they live from Chakwal Press Club Studio. Azaha was rakhial. The host of the program, Zulfikar Mir, said that in view of security concerns, Imran Khan was requested to come to Chakwal by way of road, so he reached Chakwal in daylight and Imran Khan did so without informing the organizers in view of these security concerns. He reached the stage of the meeting. Senior journalist Muhammad Shafiq Malik said that the people of Tala Gang and Muslim League-Q's Hafiz Amar Yasir organized the meeting of Imran Khan and without doubt Hafiz Amar Yasir proved that he can gather 10 to 15 thousand people in a short time able to collect. He further said that there is a lot of enthusiasm among the people of Talagang regarding the creation of a district and most of the people from Talagang believed that if Chief Minister Punjab Chaudhry Parvez Elahi came to the meeting, there would be a possibility of making Talagang a district. Senior journalist Khawaja Daniyal Saleem said that regardless of whether the rally was big or small, Imran Khan did not say anything remarkable, his same old stereotyped speech which he has been giving in almost all the rallies so far. It was like that and when the gathering started to fill up during Imran Khattab, he again came in the wave and he gave a speech for 55 minutes. Senior journalist Raja Iftikhar Ahmad said that Imran Khan had no official position but the roads of the entire city of Chakwal were closed and as long as Imran Khan was in Chakwal, there was a curfew in the city due to which people were facing severe difficulties. Faced.

Dengue: PTI MPA calls on Sindh government to take decisive action

By Our Correspondent

KARACHI, Sept 20 (INP): Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MPA Raja Azhar on Tuesday urged the Sindh government to take effective measures against the rising dengue virus cases in Karachi. In a letter to Administrator Karachi Murtaza Wahab, PTI MPA Raja Azhar reportedly asks for effective action to stop the dengue virus outbreak in the port city. Raja Azhar said in the letter that, according to the Sindh Health Department, the province has reported more than 3,000 cases to date, the most of which were found in Karachi. After the city was battered by severe rains, the PTI leader requested that the Administrator Karachi remove standing water from outdoor and indoor areas to prevent mosquito breeding.

10 PML-N MPs' interim bails confirmed by the court 

By Our Correspondent

LAHORE: The Sessions Court directed to confirm the interim bails of 10 Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MPs including Rana Mashhood in the Punjab Assembly riot and vandalism case. The Sessions Court's Additional Sessions Judge Muhammad Yaseen Mohal heard the bail request from 10 suspects, among them Rana Mashhood, Malik Saif ul Malook Khokhar, and Awais Leghari, and the police also provided the court with the full investigation report. The defence attorneys for the defendants testified during the hearing that the riots that the police claimed were the targets of "political vengeance" in the case had nothing to do with it. According to the prosecution, the arrest of the defendants is necessary to wrap up the investigation because they are suspected of rioting in the Punjab Assembly. Following the conclusion of the legal arguments, the court confirmed the interim bails for all of the accused and ordered them to provide surety bonds in the amount of $50,000. Rana Mashhood, the head of the PML-N, told the reporters outside the session court that Imran Khan wants the next Army Chief to be chosen by him. In response to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman's remark, he said that Imran Khan had said yesterday that we would lose everything if he didn't take office for the next two months. I want to inform Imran Khan that the public no longer trusts him. The bad objectives of the PTI Chairman have been made known to Pakistanis, he claimed. According to Rana Mashhood, Imran Khan will soon be imprisoned for the charges of receiving foreign funding and the Toshakhana trials. He also attributed the increase in the cost of gasoline, electricity, and other basic necessities to the PTI government.

Lost & found

I Rozeena Atta D/o Abdul Rehman Zia resident near Abu Bakr Masjid Total Parko Pump Chakra Road Rawalpindi, one file which was light pink in color containing my necessary documents, one original CNIC, original matriculation mark sheet, original graduation mark sheet and original master degree. During the journey, it has been lost in the premises of Arid Agriculture University. Anyone who finds it should contact the following number 0348-052258.

England squad will receive state-of-the-art guest security in Lahore: IG Punjab 

By Our Correspondent

LAHORE: Inspector General Police Punjab Faisal Shahkar has said state guest security will be provided to England players, ICC officials, and other foreign staff during their stay in Lahore. The final three Twenty20 matches of the Pakistan England series will be played at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, according to the IG Punjab, who stated that more than 8,000 policemen and personnel will provide security. He ordered that throughout the series, watertight security and traffic management plans should be put in place, and that safe city cameras should be used to continuously monitor the teams' itineraries, hotels, and the interior and exterior of Gaddafi Stadium. He gave additional instructions to the CTD and Special Branch to ensure that the cricket series be conducted peacefully. He assigned the CTO of Lahore a special job to ensure that traffic moved smoothly throughout the matches and advised the appointment of more wardens and staff to do the same. Faisal Shahkar issued a directive for the district government to make the best possible arrangements for parking cricket spectators and providing them with transportation to the stadium. He gave these instructions while presiding over a meeting about cricket matches between Pakistan and England at the Punjab Safe City Authority. The conference was briefed on security plans by the CCPO Lahore, DIG Operations Lahore, and SSP Operations.

Haleem Adil Sheikh asks details on the delivery of relief supplies

By Our Correspondent

KARACHI: Opposition Leader in Sindh Assembly Haleem Adil Sheikh has asked the provincial government to provide details of relief aid distribution to the flood victims across the province. According to reports, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MPA wrote to the Chief Secretary Sindh to request information about how tents, ration bags, and other relief supplies were distributed to flood victims. He attacked the regional authorities for keeping secret the locations of the alleged distribution points for supplies. The leader of the opposition also demanded information about national and international funds given to the victims. Haleem Adil Shaikh pointed out that despite the irrigation department receiving billions of rupees in funding over the last 14 years, many cities and villages have experienced flooding because of holes in the canals and sewers. He also questioned why the irrigation officials had not yet been punished. The PTI leader also asked about the steps being taken to stop the spread of water-borne virus illnesses throughout the flood-affected areas.

Sindh govt needs Dutch and British expertise to reclaim flood-damaged agricultural lands: CM Murad

By Our Correspondent

KARACHI: British High Commissioner in Pakistan Dr. Christian Turner called on Sindh’s Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday. Deputy High Commissioner Sarah Mooney, Director of Development Sandra Baldwin, and Deputy Director Batool Zehra all attended the meeting, which was place in CM House. Syed Qasim Naveed, the chief secretary, Sohail Rajput, and Raheem Shaikh, the chief minister's secretary, all provided assistance to the chief minister. The cities and settlements on the right and left bank of the river have been inundated, according to the Sindh Chief Minister, who briefed the British envoy. According to Murad Ali Shah, in order to revitalise the province's flood-damaged regions, the British and Dutch would need to provide expert advice and technological support. Over 1.5 million people have been impacted by flooding on the right bank of the Indus River, according to the chief minister, who spoke to a British envoy. The chief minister stated that Sindh's government needed tents and mosquito nets for flood victims. Murad Ali Shah was told by Ambassador Christian Turner that 50 containers with shelters and plastic sheets will arrive in Karachi in the following two weeks. After the water has been drained, wheat will be planted right away, the Sindh chief minister stated. "We are striving to finish water drainage from agriculture lands within two months." He remarked, "We would offer assistance to farmers in crop cultivation. Shah assured the British representative that "the government will also rehabilitate old and natural water drains." According to Shah, agricultural fields would become less fertile if they were submerged. He stated, "I want a study from the British and Dutch experts to visit the lands, examine them, and provide us with technical guidance so that they can be regained with more rejuvenation. The British High Commissioner then gave the chief minister an assurance that his country will support Sindh. He continued, "I will coordinate with Chief Secretary Sindh to request Netherlands experts and develop an action plan." According to the Chief Minister, the current heavy rains and climate change necessitate developing a long-term strategy to build an effective drainage system for rain and steep torrential downpours. He stated that his government would also require expert and technical cooperation from the British government and donor organisations as part of its plans to restore original and natural rivers and escapes throughout Sindh.

Elahi review measurements improvements in LDA governing body meeting

By Our Correspondent

LAHORE: The Chief Minister of Punjab, Chaudhry Parvez Elahi, presided over the fourth meeting of the LDA's governing board, which was held in his office. The CM mandated the installation of hydrants and stated that in the event of a fire, water supply would be guaranteed from hydrants installed at various locations. He gave the order that no map be approved without Rescue 1122 performing a safety examination of large buildings. He also mandated that Sheikhupura be placed within the LDA limits as well as the inclusion of additional cities in the development process.After examining their records with NADRA and widow, more than 1200 applicants' allocations were authorised during the meeting. Additionally, a proposal to create a separate marketing department under LDA was reviewed. The idea of collecting WASA's sewage fees from unpaid housing developments was authorised, and it was also determined to align the LDA allowance with the current salary scale. According to the high court's order, it was agreed to impose a limit of at least one kanal of land for the construction of apartment complexes and to authorise the formation of a subcommittee to decide the allocation of the alternative plot to an applicant. It was decided to amend Clause 30(5) of the Rules, 2020 and the meeting approved in principle the apartments' construction in Finance and Trade Center Johar Town. Additionally, the plan for Khayaban Amin Johar Town's redevelopment was accepted. The Walk and Shop LDA Shopping Arena in Johar Town and the Mohlanwal Housing Scheme's infrastructure upgrade project have received preliminary approval. The late filing fee for past due payments made to Corona was agreed to be waived. On the other hand, submitting current dues after the due date would result in a normal fine. The decision was made to consolidate the industries in one area of LDA City. It was decided to compensate Compact Engineering. The choices made at the last meeting were supported, and the budget for the fiscal year 2022–23 was adopted. Vice Chairman WASA Sheikh Imtiaz Mehmood, Vice Chairman WASA Sheikh Aslam Iqbal, Senior Minister and Vice Chairman Mian Aslam Iqbal, Provincial Advisor Aamir Saeed Raan, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Muhammad Khan Bhatti, Former Principal Secretary to Chief Minister GM Sikandar, Members of the Punjab Assembly Sadia Sohail, Malik Mukhtar Ahmad, Muhammad Atif, and Umar Aftab, Commissioner Lahore.

A seminar titled 'Peer Mehr Ali Shah and Contemporary Demands' was held at the Punjab Arts Council

By Staff Reporter

RAWALPINIDI: A seminar titled 'Peer Mehr Ali Shah and Contemporary Demands' was organized in Punjab Arts Council with the support of Bizm Ahbab Qalam Pakistan. The seminar was presided over by Major (retd) Ghazanfar Abbas Qaiser Farooqi while the duties of Nizamat were performed by President Ahbab Qalam Pakistan Ali Aszar Samar. President Mahfil Major (R) Qaiser Farooqui said that Pir Syed Maher Ali Shah taught Qadianis Mirza Ghulam Ahmad such a lesson that he became afraid. Do your work and leave the rest to Allah. Even today, blessings will continue to flow from the elders of the religion for the entire age. At that time, there were monasteries and universities. The students of knowledge used to come here to quench their thirst for knowledge. The knowledge goes on learning, in this way the knowledge increased from country to country, Kokab Iqbal Advocate in his address to the seminar said that all mosques are empty from Fajr to Zuhr. Monasteries should be built and the country will be on the path of education. Naseem Iqbal Malik said that Faiz is still flowing from these monasteries. One of their problems has been solved. On the demand of Pir Meher Ali Shah and his contemporaries, Ms. Samia Qamar said that Hazrat Pir Meher Ali Shah fought against Qadinet, if it was not for him, I don't know what would have happened. He fought with great wisdom and wisdom. Bazm President Ali Asghar Samar said that there are many books of Pir Meher Ali Shah that can guide us if we look and study his books then these books can still be found in Golra Astana Pir Meher Ali Shah. A large number of citizens from neighboring cities participated in the seminar.

IIUI holds seminar on message of Quaid

By Abid Ali Narejo

ISLAMABAD: Rector of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) Prof. Dr. Masoom Yasinzai has said that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah is a great leader whose honesty, hard work, academic ability and political understanding are examples of world history and world leaders have always acknowledged his vision. Dr. Masoom, while addressing a seminar on “Message of Quaid e Azam and contemporary requirements” said that youth should make the best use of their time to enhance the country's development through excellence in the field of education. The seminar was organized by Iqbal International Institute for Research and Dialogue, Department of Urdu, Department of Political Science & International Relations and Department of History and Studies of IIUI. The keynote speaker Professor Dr. Ehsan Akbar said that Pakistan was achieved after great sacrifices and it was Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, whose efforts made it possible. He said that even today the Muslims living in India are suffering. Addressing the students, he further said that they should value Pakistan and learn the sacrifices of their forefathers by studying the history. Among the speakers were the vice president Academics IIUI, Prof. Dr. Ayaz Afsar, Allama Iqbal Open University’s professor and historian Dr. Abdul Basit Mujahid and chairman of Pakistan Studies at Islamia University Bahawalpur Dr. Aftab Hussain Gilani. The speakers shed light on Quaid-e-Azam's efforts, vision and his practical life in detail and advised the students to follow the guiding principles and teachings of Quaid-e-Azam. A large number of university teachers and students participated in the seminar.

ICCI urges government to address delay in opening LCs of importers

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: Muhammad Shakeel Munir, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) said that the business community was facing the problems of unnecessary delay in opening Letters of Credit (LCs) for import of raw materials and called upon the government to address this issue on urgent basis for facilitating the growth of business activities. He said this while addressing a dinner reception hosted by Muhammad Naveed Malik, former Senior Vice President, ICCI. Muhammad Shakeel Munir said that due to delay in opening of LCs, many industries including food, pharmaceuticals, steel, automobiles, telecom, home appliances etc. were facing the shortage of raw material for their manufacturing activities and if this issue was not addressed forthwith, it would badly affect the production activities and further hurt the already struggling economy. He said that the government had announced to lift ban on imports, but the business community was still facing a delay in opening of LCs for many important items including machinery and equipment. This situation has created a lot of concerns in the SMEs and large scale manufacturing industry, therefore, he appealed to the finance minister to take urgent notice of this matter and intervene to address this issue of utmost importance for the business community. Jamshaid Akhtar Sheikh Senior Vice President, Muhammad Faheem Khan Vice President ICCI, Khalid Iqbal Malik, Mian Akram Farid, Muhammad Ejaz Abbasi, Sheikh Amir Waheed, Nasir Qureshi, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, Muhammad Naveed Malik, Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, Sardar Tahir Mehmood, Engr. Azhar ul Islam Zafar, Ch. Masood, Malik Najeeb, Ashfaq Chatha, Saeed Khokhar, Mustafeez Abbasi and others also spoke at the occasion and said that many industries in Pakistan relied on imported materials, but production activities were badly suffering due to delay in opening of LCs for imports. They emphasized that the Ministry of Finance and the State Bank of Pakistan should take urgent measures to address this issue of vital importance to save the production activities from further problems.

DPW geared up for welfare of public 

District Officer Behbud Abadi told about the various welfare events held throughout the district and also highlighted the performance of the department

By Staff Reporter

RAWALPINDI: District Population Welfare Office Rawalpindi, with the slogan of Balanced Family, Prosperous Pakistan, is doing its duty to protect the public from diseases like polio, corona and dengue by giving awareness and awareness about the health of mothers and children, educating of girls, the proper interval in the birth of children. These views were expressed by District Officer Behbudabadi Rawalpindi Shireen Sakhan while addressing a session with journalists. While expressing his views to the journalists of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, District Officer Behbud Abadi told about the various welfare events held throughout the district and also highlighted the performance of the department. He said that our department has a relationship with journalists. Due to our performance and various events not only reach the public but the public is also informed about the events of the Department of Welfare and the activities of the Department of Welfare in the circle of journalists and the provision of facilities by the Department in remote areas. She said that the journalist community is also working side by side with us in bringing the welfare program to the villages, cities, and villages. She said that Patli Tamasha programs are being organized in Taxila, Murree, Gujarkhan, Kotli Satian, and Kahota districts of Rawalpindi district from September 21, in which journalists should play their role for the full participation of the public. The Population Welfare Department of Rawalpindi is trying to educate the people about the balance of resources and population, education of girls, the proper interval between births, healthy mothers, and healthy children, and is bringing awareness to them by setting up different types of programs.

Poor leadership, nepotism, and corruption are preventing the country from progressing 

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: According to top academics and seasoned practitioners, Pakistan is experiencing a crisis of governance at all levels, a lack of national consensus on important problems, and non-adherence to national objectives in policy formation and implementation. The specialists were addressing the National Academic Council (NAC) of the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad, during its annual meeting. The annual conference aims to provide IPS' research initiatives with intellectual input from a spectrum of seasoned academics and practitioners. Presided over by IPS’ Chairman Khalid Rahman, the meeting was addressed by Dr. Syed Junaid Zaidi, former rector COMSATS; Ambassador (r) Shamshad A. Khan, former secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Syed Abu Ahmad Akif, former federal cabinet secretary; Dr. Syed Tahir Hijazi, former vice-chancellor, Muslim Youth University; Dr. Waqar Masood Khan, former federal secretary, finance; Dr. Anwar-ul-Hasan Gilani, former vice chancellor, University of Haripur; Mirza Hamid Hasan, former federal secretary, water and power; Ambassador (r) Syed Abrar Hussain, vice chairman IPS; Dr. Abdul Rauf Rafiqui, director, Abdul Samad Khan Achakzai Shaheed Chair, University of Balochistan; Dr. Adnan Sarwar Khan, former dean of social sciences, University of Peshawar; Dr. Naveed Butt, senior physician at Federal Government Services Hospital; and Dr. Noreen Sahar, associate professor and chairperson, Department of Anthropology, IIUI. The speakers brought up important national issues whose ramifications need to be explored on an intellectual and policy level because they have hampered Pakistan's ability to prosper. Almost all of the presenters agreed that the serious lack of good governance was the root of these problems. In addition to lacking the capacity to seize opportunities and control threats like floods or politico-economic crises, the government also lacks the democratic ideal in its institutional choices and policy considerations. Hence the sluggish national development. Shamshad Khan noted that faulty decisions and foreign dependence are other factors in poor governance that ultimately jeopardise national sovereignty. In addition to these, another crucial element, namely the presence of corrupt individuals at the highest levels of governance, is sapping Pakistan's prospects for progress. Khalid Rahman noted that there is a great deal of policy misunderstanding in the society and the country. He emphasised that there are numerous reasons why national attempts at development and policy discussions are not moving in the same direction. One such element is clever lobbying that questions the entire structure of policy and policymaking. Additionally, foreign sponsorships also contribute significantly to the purchase of domestic talent for covert purposes. Pakistan can address this issue through win-win partnerships. According to Syed Akif, the crisis in Pakistan has overlapped due to a lack of devotion to national objectives in the development and implementation of policy. This crisis is also exacerbated by corruption and nepotism.

PNCA hosts splendid new art exhibition 

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) hosted a splendid new art exhibition, "Remembering The Future - Decolonizing creative spaces" today by 3 women artists including Nusra Latif Qureshi, Sadia Pasha Kamran & Sania Samad. Augmenting on emotional and intellectual collaboration that resulted in form of the book Bano’s Companion to Feminist Art –Women, Art & Politics in Pakistan, ‘the three women living in three different worlds’ come together to share their ideas about themselves and as part of a ‘decolonizing’ world. Sadia Pasha Kamran, a writer and an academic from Lahore, Nusra Latif Qureshi, a visual artist from Melbourne and Sania Samad, a Textile artist based in New York are alumni of the National College of Arts (NCA), Lahore – an institution that still carries the colonial legacy in art and design education yet has been grooming artists that are, to Macaulay’s disappointment, not at all just “Indian in blood and British in manners”. The exhibition aims at adding the indigenous voices to the global debate on decolonization.

UNICEF briefing note on horrific circumstance of children in ruin floods in Pakistan 

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: "Over 3.4 million children have been displaced from their homes as a result of terrible floods, which will be one month old next week. More than 550 kids have already perished due to the ferocious rapids. Without a considerable uptick in assistance, we worry that many more kids would perish " Large portions of the flood-affected neighbourhoods are still underwater three weeks later. Numerous roads and bridges have either been destroyed or washed away. Numerous families in the 81 disaster-affected areas are still cut off and in serious need of assistance. Families lack access to clean water, food, and medicine. "Due to a lack of food, many moms are currently anaemic and emaciated, and their offspring are severely underweight. Since the first day, UNICEF has been assisting the Pakistani government's flood response on the ground. Following the floods, we sent out prepositioned supplies worth US$ 1 million, and we also transported and sent out US$ 3 million worth of goods to the worst-affected areas. To assist kids in coping with trauma, we have established 71 mobile health clinics and temporary learning facilities.

Pakistan will receive aid from ADB for floods relief

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is preparing a flood relief package to assist Pakistan, stricken by devastating floods. The ADB announced in a press release that it will contribute to money for relief efforts in the nation's flood-affected regions. The bank will help the underprivileged, sick mothers, and children who were affected by flooding. According to the statement, the ADB will support farmers who lost crops and give assistance in agricultural production to help them get back on their feet. The lender will also provide funds for rebuilding of roads, bridges and other infrastructure destroyed in flood. It will also extend support for reconstruction of damaged houses, schools, hospitals and other amenity buildings. In a recent analysis, the ADB listed Pakistan as one of the high-risk nations most likely to experience natural catastrophes, noting that each year the nation suffers losses from natural disasters of US$2 billion. According to the ADB analysis, floods have caused more damage than earthquakes in Pakistan, where on average 863 people each year are killed by natural disasters. Following the destruction of the harvest, homes, and other infrastructure by floods, natural disasters have intensified poverty in the nation. In Pakistan, there are only a few options for harvest insurance, and only 272,000 farmers have taken use of them. It highlighted that floods further devastate underprivileged districts, increasing poverty level in those areas. The report shared that most of the people below poverty line lives in Balochistan, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. To prevent damage from floods and earthquakes, the research recommended expanding the disaster risk management method. It claimed that Pakistan's responses to earthquakes and floods were inadequate.

19 criminals held; drugs, narcotic and weapons recovered 

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Capital police apprehended 19 criminals involved in illegal criminal activities and recovered drugs, and weapons with ammunition from their possession, a police public relations officer said. He said that DIG Operations Sohail Zafar Chatha had ordered all zonal officers to curb the crime in their respective areas and arrest those involved in looting innocent people. Following these directives, Secretariat police team arrested an accused Dawood Abbasi and recovered one 30 bore pistol along with ammunition from his possession. Bhara Kahu police team arrested two drug peddlers namely Shahzad and Kifayat and recovered 1173 gram hashish from their possession. Likewise, Tarnol police team arrested two accused namely Shahzaib and Taimur Shahzad and recovered 1210 gram hashish, 125 gram Ice and one 30 bore pistol along with ammunition from their possession.

Alvi for further cementing bilateral Pakistan and Turkiye relations

Acknowledges support of Turkiye to Pakistan’s efforts in countering Islamophobia in the world, especially in India

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: President Dr. Arif Alvi has called for further cementing brotherly relations between Pakistan and Turkiye by focusing on trade enhancement and bringing the trade volume at par with the excellent bilateral ties between the two countries. He said this while talking to Pakistan’s Ambassador-designate to Turkiye, Dr. Yousaf Junaid, who called on him, at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Tuesday. President Dr. Arif Alvi congratulated the Ambassador-designate on his appointment and said that Pakistan remained committed to furthering bilateral trade and investment ties with Turkiye. He recalled that signing of the Trade in Goods Agreement would pave the way for achieving the bilateral trade target of US$ 5 billion in the medium term. He acknowledged the support of Turkiye to Pakistan’s efforts in countering Islamophobia in the world, especially in India, where Muslims were being intimidated and harassed on daily basis. He also expressed his gratitude for Turkiye’s support to Pakistan on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and asked the Ambassador-designate to convey the sentiments to the Turkish side. The President assured Ambassador-designate that Pakistan remained committed to supporting Turkiye on its core issues. Pakistan enjoys excellent relations with Turkiye which are described by expressions as “heart to heart” and “two countries as one nation”. In total, over 190 Agreements/MoUs have been signed between the two sides since the establishment of relations.

Shariah Court asks parties to submit concerns on Transgender Act in writing

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Shariah Court (FSC) Tuesday approved the petitioners to submit their concerns in writing against the Transgender Act 2018. The full court of the FSC headed by Acting Chief Justice Syed Muhammad Anwar while hearing the case asked the applications of various people, including senator Mushtaq, Farhat Ullah Babar, and Almas Bobby to become the party of the case. However, the court directed all the parties to submit their concerns in black and white. The Acting Chief Justice of FSC said that the real issue is the rights of eunuchs. Whoever has the rights should get it. The main objective is to protect and safeguard the community. If one closes his eyes, he does not become blind, he added. Known columnist Orya Maqbool Jan said before the court that the whole assembly approved the bill. Farhat Ullah Babar said, “I was part of the entire process when the bill was being made. Senator Mushtaq Ahmed of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) filed a petition in the FSC against the Transgender Rights Bill, claiming it’s in contradiction with the Islamic principles on heredity. The JI leader argued that the bill would cause complications in Islamic hereditary rules. Mushtaq Ahmed had suggested that if someone files a gender change request in NADRA, they must undergo a medical test first. The bill has given individuals the right to change their gender identity, 30,000 people have applied to NADRA seeking to change their gender in its record, he said. The lawyer for Senator Mushtaq said that a new bill was submitted to the Senate and that no one should be allowed to change their gender at will. The authority to identify one’s gender should be with the medical board and not with the individual, he argued. Senate’s Human rights Committee had also discussed proposed amendments in the law. The Human Rights Committee opposed the amends presented by the senator, saying the matter is sub-judice and should not be tampered with. A lawyer from a private NGO said that things have been mixed up in the transgender law. The transgender experts said that being transgender is actually a birth defect. "The LGBTQ community and we Trans people are different. The court should seek the assistance of a gender expert." The representative of transgender pleaded to the Federal Sharia Court for assistance from gender experts in the hearing of a petition against the Transgender Rights Bill 2018. Bubbly Malik argued in the court that the opinion of gender experts was necessary with regard to the definition of transgender and their rights.

ISLAMABAD: Neak Oknha Sear Rithy, Chairman & Board of Directors, World Bridge Group of Companies, cambodia in a meeting with Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani.

Fawad proposes establishment, political parties to revise political framework

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former information minister Fawad Chaudhry has once called for the political parties and establishment to rewrite the political framework as the party deems that the existing system has failed. Fawad - whose party has been persistent in its demand for early elections in the country - proposed this in a Twitter post from his official handle. He also called for balance in the civil-military relationship and transfer of power to the people.

BISP has better database of differently-abled persons: Shazia Marri

By Staff Reporter

KARACHI: Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety and Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Shazia Atta Marri has said that the BISP has better database about persons living with disabilities and it is playing the vital role to empower them by their inclusion in the Programme as per our criteria. BISP ensures maximum inclusion and minimum discrimination of differently abled people in its social protection programs. She said this during the recent ongoing NSER's desk-based survey, differently abled people were given priority while their visits to data collection centers and also, specific protocols are in place for these groups such as a separate registration desk, facilitation by center staff etc. NSER registration centers facilitate every person with disability for survey registration who approaches the center. This she said while addressing as guest of honor on a conference to prepare a road map for higher education of persons with deafness, organized by Ida Rieu Welfare Association, at Ida Rieu School for Blind and Deaf at Karachi.

FIA summons Shaukat Tarin, Taimur Jhagra in audio leak case

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Tuesday summoned former finance minister and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Shaukat Tarin and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Minister for Finance Taimur Khan Jhagra in audio leak case tomorrow. An audio of a telephonic conversation between Tarin and Jhagra had gone viral not long ago in which the former could be heard telling the latter to write a letter to the IMF against the government of Pakistan ahead of the country’s deal with the international money lending organization. The coalition government tried to portray it as an effort by the PTI to scuttle the expected agreement with the Fund, which was round the corner in those days.

PAF extends enhanced support for rehabilitation, medical relief to flood victims

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on Tuesday dedicated maximum efforts towards relief and rehabilitation operations for flood-stricken people as the recent massive flash floods had caused catastrophic situation in KP, Sindh, Balochistan and South Punjab. In order to facilitate the countrymen during this hour of need, the PAF has started providing swift medical relief to counter prevailing diseases such as Dengue, Malaria, Diarrhea, Cholera and Dysentery in the flood affected areas, a PAF news release said. It added that recently, the contaminated water had further aggravated the problems of flood victims in the form of pandemic diseases. However, different medical Lab Collection Points were established for rapid diagnosis of waterborne diseases and prompt medical services were being provided to save precious lives. The PAF helicopters and transport fleet were also actively participating in transportation of food and medical supplies along with safe evacuation of the flood victims. During the last 24 hours, Pakistan Air Force has distributed 18,510 cooked food packs, 300 water bottles and 1,920 ration packs consisting of basic food commodities amongst the needy families.

UNGA urged to address Kashmir, Palestine disputes if it wants world to be peaceful

Web Desk

SRINAGAR: The senior leadership of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference has expressed hope that the United Nations will come up with a solid formula for resolving disputes such as Kashmir and Palestine during its current 77th General Assembly session in New York, laying a strong foundation for a peaceful world. According to Kashmir Media Service, APHC Chairman Masarrat Aalam Butt and other senior leaders Shabbir Ahmad Shah, Nayeem Ahmad Khan, and Aasiya Andrabi said from New Delhi's Tihar jail that Kashmir and Palestine are the oldest global disputes on the UN agenda, and the continued loss of life in the two regions betrays the world body's utter failure on these two grave issues. The statements, which were released in Srinagar, maintained that wishing for a peaceful world without addressing the issues pertaining to the political future of millions of people would be daydreaming. They added that the Kashmir and Palestine disputes will continue to undermine the UN's credibility unless they are resolved in accordance with the World Body's resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri and Palestinian peoples. The leaders demanded that the international community intervene immediately to resolve the lingering Kashmir dispute, which is surrounded by three powerful nuclear states: Pakistan, India, and China. They urged the world body to rise above the traditional huddle of heads of state and instead wake up and fulfil its obligations by presenting a robust and concrete plan during the ongoing 77th UNGA session to confront disputes such as Kashmir and Palestine head on if it truly desires a peaceful world. The APHC leaders urged the international community to uphold its commitments regarding Kashmiris' right to self-determination while also telling India that "enough is enough." The UN should send a strong message to the Modi regime to stop its illegal actions aimed at changing the demography, culture, and identity of the IIOJK.

SIA raids Falah-e-Aam Trust offices in Sopore, Nowgam

Web Desk

SRINAGAR: India's dreaded State Investigation Agency (SIA), along with paramilitary and police personnel, raided the Falah-e-Aam Trust office in Srinagar and Barfmaulla districts of illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. According to Kashmir Media Service, the Falah-e-Aam Trust, founded by the Jamaat-e-Islami of occupied Jammu and Kashmir, operates hundreds of welfare schools throughout the territory. The SIA sleuths regularly target the Jamaat-e-Islami and its Falah-e-Aam Trust, as well as other welfare institutions, in order to prevent the downtrodden sections of society from benefiting from these purely welfare institutions. The SIA, along with the Central Reserve Police Force and police, raided the FAT offices in Sopore and Nowgam. When the last reports came in, raids were in progress.

‘Kashmiris being thrown behind bars under the infamous Public Safety Act without any provocation’

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: The former Convener of All Parties Hurriyet Conference (APHC) and the former representative of Late Syed Ali Geelani, Saiyyed Abdullah Gilani has said that the BJP's double standards are on full display amid the ongoing crackdown on religious organisations in occupied Kashmir. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Saiyyed Abdullah Gilani said that on the one hand the ruling party in India has given a free hand to its members and functionaries to stoke religious hatred by spewing venom against Muslim community and on the other hand members of religious organisations in occupied Kashmir are being thrown behind bars under the infamous Public Safety Act (PSA) without any provocation. He said that more than a hundred people belonging to various religious organisations have been arrested during the past few days under the PSA across Kashmir. Saiyyed Abdullah Gilani said that the concerns are growing about the pathetic condition of Kashmiri prisoners as India launches yet another crackdown detaining more than a hundred Kashmiris in just the past few days. He said that Kashmiri detainees are subjected to extremely hostile conditions in Indian prisons and are often denied even the basic amenities.

Pakistan got ‘peanuts’, Ukraine got billions, says Mushahid Hussain

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: Maria ARENA, Chair Subcommittee on Human Rights alongwith Mr. Peter Van Dalen and Mr. Petras, Members of the European Parliament met with the members of the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights at the Parliament House. Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, leading the delegation from the Pakistani side, thanked EU for support in flood relief but raised three concerns on human rights. He said floods in Pakistan are climate-induced and Pakistanis are suffering due to climate change effects of other countries policies. He said Pakistan is ravaged by floods and Ukraine by war, but Pakistan got 'peanuts' but Ukraine got billions. Surely, he asked the EU Parliamentarians, Pakistanis are not children of a lesser god? He said even UN Secretary General has called for 'climate justice'. Secondly, he said Europe faces a grave threat of right wing racism and religious bigotry, with Islamophobia and anti-Semitism as electoral trends in Sweden and Italy testify. Third, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed condemned double standards of European countries: annexation of Crimea by Russia is condemned while annexation of Occupied Kashmir by India is condoned. Ms. Maria ARENA expressed solidarity with the people of Pakistan in the wake of the devastation caused by the recent floods. She also highlighted the importance of GSP Plus for Pakistan and the need to strengthen work on issues of human rights, labor rights, freedom of expression and environment.