Daily The Patriot edition of 22-09-22

Anti-corruption Multan is following a zero-tolerance policy, Mian Mohammad Athar

By Staff Reporter

Multan: Anti-corruption Multan is following a zero-tolerance policy. Early resolution of mega-corruption cases is the top priority, Director Anti-Corruption Multan Mian Mohammad Athar. According to the details, a delegation of journalists under the leadership of Sheikh Arshad Ali met Director Anti-Corruption Multan Mian Mohammad Athar. Hamza Khan Pathan, Khan Ashraf Khan, Ahsan Zawar Madral , Dr. Imtiaz Hussain were present in the meeting. The director of anti-corruption while talking to the journalists said that the anti-corruption department is following the provision of justice without discrimination. If anyone have complain so, contact the anti-corruption department in Multan. In response to a question, Mian Muhammad Athar said that the anti-corruption department does not look at the face, it looks at the case. If any government official or senior officer is involved in any kind of corruption, then he is treated equally like other accused. Regarding the mega corruption cases, Director Anti-Corruption Mian Muhammad Athar said that we have A list of mega corruption cases has been prepared and these cases will be eliminated. At the end of the meeting, Sheikh Arshad, on behalf of the delegation, praised the performance of the anti-corruption department of Multan. Dr

Legal relief of Rs 58m provided to 36 plaintiffs Punjab Ombudsman 

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: The Office of the Ombudsman Punjab has mediated to provide a cumulative legal relief of over Rs.58 million to plaintiffs in response to 36 applications submitted to the regional offices against provincial government departments for the resolution of their problems.In a statement issued Wednesday, the spokesman said the action taken by the ombudsman's office helped Shamim Akhtar of Faisalabad to receive the long-awaited pension arrears of her late husband worth Rs.41,05,155 from the health department after 13 years. Similarly, it also mediated to ensure that the irrigation department pays three lakh rupees to Khanewal's Nishad Akhtar as financial aid for her late husband. She received this amount after 11 years. The spokesman said that the heirs of Shaheed Dr Bashir Ahmad, Principal Medical Officer of Services Hospital Lahore have been paid eight million rupees under the shuhada package while 2,23,279 rupees have been given to two other plaintiffs of Faisalabad as the price for items supplied to DHQ hospital Toba Tek Singh. The spokesman said that the different applicants of Lahore, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Muzaffargarh, Attock, Nankana Sahib, Gujranwala, Lodhran, Jhang, and Bahawalnagar districts have received a collective relief of 1,36,87,058 rupees in their family pension cases. As a result of the separate action taken by the ombudsman office, overall relief of 1.742 million rupees has been provided to the applicants of different cities in their cases of non-payment of the farewell grant, GP and welfare funds, scholarships, and group insurance amounts, the spokesman added. Meanwhile, individuals belonging to Gujrat, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, and Rahim Yar Khan have also been given over 7.7 million rupees as pending dues of leave encashment, financial aid, and employment dues after the involvement of the ombudsman office.

Drug pushers are free to operate in chakwal district

By District Reporter

CHAKWAL: Senior journalist Khawaja Babar Salim Mehmood said that new types of drugs have come to the fore and now drug trafficking has become a big business and business and romance trafficking is happening rampantly. In the vicinity of Pir Bukhari Darbar, a crowd of drug addicts is always seen near the graveyard and Model Bazar. Thoha Bahadur Sohrab has become Goth. There are also big centers of drug trafficking in Dhedyal, Pham Kasar and Choasidinshah, while drugs are being sold in an organized manner in Tala Gang and Lawah tehsils and now the scary situation is that this poison is being distributed among the young generation under a program. What is being done and reports are being received of shisha and ice intoxication in educational institutions as well, which is no less than a challenge for the district police. Any drug dealer caught by the police is honorably acquitted after a year or two without proper testimony and legal requirements, and that is why it is becoming a safe business. He was speaking live from Chakwal Press Club Studio. The host of the program, Zulfikar Mir, said that marijuana, opium, alcohol and powder were already popular among the types of drugs. Therefore, heads of educational institutions and parents have to be on high alert regarding their children in this regard. Senior journalist Khawaja Daniyal Saleem said that Chakwal was a safe area and it was the cradle of peace and security, but as a result of the Afghanistan Jihad, the arrival of more than 40,000 Afghans gave a boost to the Kalashnikov culture of drug dealers, and in this regard, especially the coal mines. The Pathan laborers working in the narcotics trade are the biggest players. He once again said that in the current rotten system, it is becoming almost impossible to get the accused to be punished by the courts.

Karachi: Amir Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi Hafiz Naeem Rehman is protesting the collection of illegal taxes and the inclusion of bogus fuel adjustments in electricity bills. After attending the hearing of the petition filed in the Sindh High Court on his behalf, he adressing  to the media representatives.

PUBLIC NOTICE

That my client namely col.Rted.Irfan Hameed Kiani son of Hameed Asghar Kinai,resident of House No.11, Street No,27,Sector F-6/2 Islamabad,It the owner of land measuring 310 Kanalas,Khewat No.3 & 4 situated at Chak Ali Madad. Tehsil & District Rawalpindi Regarding which a civil suit as Irfan Hameed Kiani etc Vs Ali Imtiaz ect is pending adjudication before the hon’ble court of Civil Judge,Rawalpindi,therefore no transaction of selling or purchasing can be made out regarding the above said land,and if a person makes any deal regarding the above said property, then he will solely responsible for the same . Syed Wajid Hussain Kazmi,Advocate High Court.

Chief Secretary KP directs DCs to take measures to prevent dengue outbreak 

By Staff Reporter

PESHAWAR: Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Dr Shahzad Khan Bangash on Wednesday directed deputy commissioners to take multi-sectoral measures for larva elimination to prevent dengue outbreak. The Chief Secretary presided over a meeting about dengue control at Civil Secretariat. The meeting was attended by Secretary Health, Director General Health Services, Director PMRU, and Integrated Vector Control Programme while deputy commissioners and district health officers participated through video link. The meeting was informed that the KP province had recorded 5264 dengue cases this year with 3521 reported in the current month. During last six weeks, most of the dengue cases were reported in Mardan, Peshawar, Haripur, Khyber and Nowshera. The forum was further informed that fogging and chemical spraying was carried out to eliminate mosquito larva in high risk districts and relevant departments were working in coordination for prevention of dengue outbreak under multi-sectoral approach. In addition, 1215 beds are reserved for dengue patients in hospitals across the province. The Chief Secretary ordered deputy commissioners to make coordinated efforts to control dengue spread and give special attention to dengue hotspots in high-risk districts.

PPP to win LG polls in Karachi to get elected its candidates as mayor, town chairmen

By Staff Reporter

KARACHI: Not just the next mayor of Karachi but the chairmen of the towns to be formed in the city will belong to Pakistan People's Party as it is all set to secure an overwhelming victory in the upcoming local government elections next month. The PPP leaders expressed optimism to this effect as they were speaking on Wednesday at a meeting of the People's Party District East chapter in the city. PPP Sindh President Senator Nisar Ahmed Khuhro chaired the meeting. Speaking on the occasion, Khuhro said the PPP leadership had been trying to meet the candidates of the party from every district in Karachi who were going to contest the local government election in the city next month. He said the interaction with the candidates for local government election was being held to know firsthand about their preparations and major issues in their respective constituencies. He mentioned that PPP was the political party of martyrs whose leadership had always advocated serving the cause of public service in the best possible manner. PPP Sindh General Secretary Waqar Mehdi said the People's Party had emerged as a major political force in Karachi He said the PPP's Sindh government had undertaken a record number of development projects in Karachi in the last four years as never in the history of the city such developmental activity had taken place earlier. PPP Karachi Division President Saeed Ghani, who is also Sindh Labour Minister, said the PPP's candidates in Karachi had got ample time to conduct the election campaign to contest the local government polls in the city. He said the PPP had adopted the strategy that instead of holding public meetings and rallies public contact drives should be conducted for the local government polls in Karachi. He said the PPP was fully committed to resolving the genuine problems of the people of Karachi while considering it as its foremost priority. The presidents, general secretaries of PPP of all union committees in District East and also the candidates of the party in the district briefed the meeting about their preparations to contest the local government polls and public issues in their respective areas.

LHC seeks answer from govt over Tahir Ashrafi's removal as MUB chief

By Staff Reporter

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday sought an answer from the Punjab government next week on the appeal of Hafiz Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi against his removal as the chairman of Muttahida Ulema Board Punjab. During the hearing of the case, the court rejected Tahir Ashrafi's request to immediately issue stay order on his appeal. "There is no room in the law to remove the chairman of Ulama board after appointment until the term is completed," counsel for the petitioner argued before the court. "It has not been mentioned even in the notification of new appointment that under which law the change was made," he added. At this, the court asked the lawyer of the Punjab government to explain by next week under which law the new appointment is made. Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi had made Punjab government, chief secretary, Auqaf Department and Sahibzada Hamid Raza respondents in his petition. He, in his petition, stated that he had been reappointed as the chairman of Muttahida Ulema Board Punjab on March 31, 2022 for three years. He maintained that the Auqaf secretary unjustly issued a notification to remove him from the post, adding that there was not a single complaint on record against him. He also stated that the Auqaf Department and others had no discretionary power to remove the chairman from the post. "The re-establishment of Muttahida Ulema Board Punjab on the direction of the Punjab chief minister was also against the requirements of justice," he added. The court was told that Tahir Ashrafi had been deprived of his constitutional rights by being removed from the post of chairman. It was also requested to annul the notification of Tahir Ashrafi's removal, declaring it illegal.

Court Notice

In the Court of CH. Qaisar Shahzad Senior Civil Judge Jhelum Suit for Deceleration with Permanent Injunction etc, Case Title Aisha Mehmood vs Yasir Mehmood Mughal To, Yasir Mehmood Mughal son of Nasir Mehmood Mughal R/o Mohallah Rajghaan House No.BX 21510 Tehsil & Dist Jhelum Presently Residing at 164 Bradford Road Shipley BD18 3AE W Yorkshire U.K. As there is not possible to call the Defendant through Summon in the instant Suit so through proclamation in Newspaper, You are directed to appear in the court on 11.10.2022 at 8:00AM, otherwise ex-parte proceedings will be initiated.

Court Notice

In the Court of Waqas Ahmed Warraich Civil Judge Jhelum Suit for Deceleration, Case Title Muhammad Atif vs Misbah Rehman etc To, Misbah U Rehman Daughter of Abdul Rehman R/o P.O Khas Chotala Tehsil & Dist Jhelum. As there is not possible to call the Defendant through Summon in the instant Suit so through proclamation in Newspaper, You are directed to appear in the court on 26.09.2022 at 8:00AM, otherwise ex-parte proceedings will be initiated.

CHANGE/CORRECTION IN FATHER'S NAME

I Maryam Khalid have passed secondary school certificate annual examination 2020 under role number 9167933 and intermediate annual examination 2021 under role number 310035 from B.I.S.E., Sargodha. My father’s name is Khawaja Khalid Tasneem whereas on certificates has been mentioned as Khawaja Khalid which is incorrect. I want to get changed my father’s name from Khawaja Khalid to Khawaja Khalid Tasneem. If any person/organization /agency have any objection, than the same may be intimated in writing to the secretary, Board of intermediate & Secondary Education, near 49-tail Faisalabad road, Sargodha within 15 days.

CM chairs the 4th governing body meeting of LDA

By Staff Reporter

LAHORE: The fourth governing body meeting of LDA was held under the chair of Chief Minister Punjab Chaudhry Parvez Elahi at his office. The CM ordered the establishment of hydrants for timely response to fire incidents in the city and said that in case of fire, water supply will be ensured from hydrants established at different places. He directed that no map should be passed without a safety audit of big buildings by Rescue 1122. He also ordered the inclusion of other cities in the development process including Sheikhupura in LDA limits. In the meeting, more than 1200 applicants' allotments were approved after clearance of their records in widow and NADRA besides reviewing a proposal to set up a separate marketing department in LDA. It was decided in principle to collect WASA's sewerage charges from non-paying housing schemes and it was approved to adjust the LDA allowance to the running pay scale. In compliance with the high court's order, the constitution of a sub-committee was approved to decide the allotment of the alternative plot to an applicant and it was further decided to set the limit of at least one kanal of land for building apartment buildings. 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. The plan for the improvement of Khayaban Amin Johar Town was approved as well. Approval was given in principle for the marketing and business model of Walk and Shop LDA Shopping Arena in Johar Town and the infrastructure improvement project of Mohlanwal Housing Scheme. It was decided to waive the penalty for late submission of past dues due to corona. However, a standard fine would be received on late submission of current dues. It was decided to shift the industries to one place in LDA City. The decision to pay Compact Engineering was endorsed. The budget for the financial year 2022-23 was approved and the decisions of the previous meeting were seconded. 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, Vice Chairman WASA Sheikh Imtiaz Mehmood, Members of Punjab assembly Sadia Sohail, Malik Mukhtar Ahmad, Muhammad Atif, Umar Aftab, commissioner Lahore, secretary housing, secretary finance, DG LDA, MD WASA and others attended the meeting.

Three member of bike lifter gang held, six stolen bikes recovered

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: Sihala Police team arrested three wanted members of bike lifting gang and recovered six stolen motorcycles and spare parts from their possession, a police public relations officer said. He said that, a police team under the supervision of SHO Sihala used human resources and latest technology and apprehended 03 members of bike lifter gang. The accused were identified as Ghulam Shabbir, Ashraf Ali and Muhammad Jahnzaib. Police team also recovered six stolen motorbikes and spare parts from their possession. During the preliminary investigation, the accused confessed multiple bike lifting incidents from various areas of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Cases have been registered against the accused and further investigation is underway. DIG Operations Sohail Zafar Chatha directed the police officials to intensify the ongoing crackdown against criminals involved in cars and motorbikes lifting incidents. He said that the safety of the lives and property of the citizens is our prime responsibility and no laxity will be tolerated in this regard.

Islamabad Capital police conducts road safety campaign with students

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad capital Police along with students of City School conducted a one-day road safety campaign at F-8 traffic exchange signal to acquaint citizens about road safety tips and create better awareness about traffic rules. According to the details, Islamabad capital police organized a one-day road safety campaign at the F-8 traffic exchange signal with the participation of City school students and educated road users about traffic rules on Monday. During the campaign, more than 30 male and female students from City School along with the Islamabad capital police personnel informed the citizens about traffic laws and gave them safety tips. The students informed the citizens about road safety measures including fastening of seat belts, dangers of listening to mobile phones during drive, lane violations and dangers of riding motorcycles without a helmet. This campaign was organized following the directions of the Inspector General of Police Islamabad Dr Akbar Nasir Khan. Islamabad capital police education team along with the students of City School participated in the campaign and provided awareness about traffic rules and road safety.

Japan, Pakistan agree on debt deferral of US$160 million as the 3rd phase of G20 DSSI

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: The Governments of Japan and Pakistan agreed on debt deferral amounting to approx. US$160 million, as the last phase of "the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI)". Prior to this, both Governments agreed on the first debt deferral amounting to approx. US$370 million on April 27, 2021 and the second debt deferral amounting to approx. US$200 million on October 22, 2021, under the same initiative. The total amount of deferred debt has reached approx. US$730 million, which will widen the fiscal space for the Government of Pakistan to restore its economy affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the flood disaster. The concessional loans, subject to debt deferral, have been utilized for infrastructure development such as roads, tunnels, power plants and grids, irrigation, water supply, and drainage facilities in Pakistan from the early 1990s to the mid-2010s. These concessional loans have favorable conditions for Pakistan in terms of low interest rate, as well as long grace and repayment period. Under the last agreement, repayments for the debt and interest due between July 1 and December 31, 2021 will be rescheduled after June 15, 2023. In addition to the debt deferral, the Government of Japan decided to extend Emergency Grant Aid of USD 7 million to Pakistan in response to the damages caused by the flood disaster that have occurred in Pakistan since mid-June. This Emergency Grand Aid will allow implementing humanitarian assistance activities for those seriously affected by the flood disaster in different parts of Pakistan through multiple international organizations in areas such as food, shelter and non-food items, health and medical care, as well as water and sanitation. Mr Wada Mitsuhiro, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, reaffirmed his commitment to support Pakistan; "I would like to assure that the Government of Japan stands ready to support the people of Pakistan. Given the rapidly rising scale of needs, we consider it critical to extend our best support and stand available to the affected. As part of the "2022 Floods Response Plan", we will extend our assistance, ensuring collective and coordinated actions to respond to the national emergency." The Government of Japan has already provided tents and plastic sheets as emergency relief goods through JICA, and these items are now being distributed to the people in need.

PTA’s Relief and Restoration Activities in Flood Affected Areas 

By Staff Reporter

Islamabad: In order to ensure earliest restoration of telecom services in flood affected districts across the country, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in conjunction with telecom operators’ teams has been vigorously and continuously pursuing earliest restoration of affected services since mid-August 2022. At its peak, a maximum of 3,386 sites were down on 28th Aug 2022, out of which 3251 sites have been restored (approx. 96% of the total). PTA field teams carried out extensive coordination with telecom operators, civil and military authorities for restoration of damaged telecom infrastructure. Various obstacles were faced including accessibility to damaged sites, commercial power availability, equipment damage due to submersion and availability/delivery of fuel for generator sets etc. However, the continued efforts by PTA and telecom operators to restore connectivity in flood affected areas has resulted in reduction of non-functional sites count to 135 only i.e. 0.26% of the total sites across the country. Currently, non-functional sites are only those which are inaccessible in some areas of Balochistan and Sindh. However, other operational sites in those areas are ensuring that there is no communication blackout.

Youth depict ‘End Racism Build Peace’ in paintings 

By Staff Reporter

RAWALPINDI: As many as 54 paintings and posters by the youth were put on display at the Punjab Arts Council Rawalpindi to commemorate the United Nations International Day for Peace on Wednesday. The exhibits are an outcome of the art competition organized by the Devcom-Pakistan (Development Communications Network) to mark another significant day of the UN. Islamabad Crescent Lion Club supported the event. The young artists used various symbols to reflect the message of the day. A dove with a branch of an olive tree remains the main element to depict the peace messages in different colours and designs. The participants of the competition also highlighted the impact of wars and bloodshed in their paintings. A couple of creative works reflected the atrocities in different parts of the world. The climate impact creating conflicts and disturbing peace remained a focus of some participants. Senator Fawzia Arshad generations flourish in peaceful societies and every individual plays its role in it. We shall educate our children and yoth to tolerate each other's opinion and philosophy of life. Riffat Ara Baig, Head of Art and Design section at the Westminster School, was the chief jury on the occasion. While announcing the names of the winners, she said the students have reflected the much desired messages of peace. Creative pursuits are the best way of educating people. The images remain in our minds forever. Devcom-Pakistan Executive Director Munir Ahmed was the guest of honour. Speaking on the occasion, he urged the authorities, educational institutions and civil society organizations and social groups to engage all the people of any age in creative art therapies. “Engagement in art gives peace of mind and an undefined ultimate pleasure. Our politicians, hardliners and vulnerable communities need them the most. Our artists shall come up to engage them for a tolerant society.” Munir Ahmed said quoting the UN Secretary-General António Guterres: Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. But achieving true peace entails much more than laying down arms. It requires the building of societies where all members feel that they can flourish. It involves creating a world in which people are treated equally, regardless of their race. Punjab Arts Council Rawalpindi Director Waqar Ahmed said youth is an important and largest component of our society. Engaging them for a harmonized multicultural society is very crucial. The Punjab Arts Council has been putting several activities to engage youth and other segments of society to create harmony and peace.

Dengue cases continue to see uptick in twin cities

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: The number of dengue cases in Islamabad and Rawalpindi is continuously on the rise as the twin cities lodged 165 infections in the past 24 hours on Wednesday. According to District Health Officer (DHO) Islamabad, as many as 105 dengue cases were reported in the federal capital during the past 24 hours, taking the total number of infections to 1,561. The DHO further stated that five patients have succumbed to the dengue virus during the current monsoon season. Meanwhile, the Health Department reported 60 dengue cases in Rawalpindi as the total number of cases has risen to 1,463. Two patients were critical in Benazir Bhutto Hospital, the health department added. Moreover, the dengue virus has claimed two lives in Rawalpindi. On the other hand, the health department said the authorities were taking measures to curb the dengue outbreak.

TCP releases import tender for 300,000 tonnes of wheat 

ISLAMABAD: The Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) has released international tender for the import of 300,000 tonnes of wheat. The federal government has decided to import wheat to meet the shortage of the commodity in the country due to devastating floods. The Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) will receive bids from international suppliers till 26 September. The bidding process will also be opened on the same date. TCP had procured 250,000 tonnes of wheat through a previous tender at the rate of $407 per ton. Pakistan Agricultural Storage & Services Corporation (PASSCO) is lifting the stock from TCP. As per TCP sources, the government is importing wheat to overcome the shortage and build up strategic reserves. Earlier, Karachi Wholesalers Grocers Association (KWGA) Chairman Abdul Rauf Ibrahim expressed fear of a flour crisis across the country and inflated prices up to Rs200 per kilogram. While talking to ARY News programme Bakhabar Savera, KWGA Chairman Abdul Rauf Ibrahim revealed that the country is likely to witness a flour crisis in the coming days. He said that the flour prices are likely to be jacked up by Rs200 per kg.

Power tariff: Protesting farmers threaten to march towards D-Chowk

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: The farmers, protesting against the rise in electricity tariff and inflation, have threatened to march toward Islamabad's D-Chowk if their demands were not fulfilled. According to details, the demonstrators - under the banner of Pakistan Kissan Ittehad - have gathered in F-9 park of Islamabad against the rise in electricity tariff and inflation, threatening to march towards D-Chowk if demands are not met. They said that government needs to compensate for the damages caused by the recent rains. The protestors vowed to continue their protest till the fulfilment of their demands. The protesting farmers have demanded to reduce the power tariff, regretting that the government had raised the electricity to Rs36 per unit. The demonstrators have also demanded subsidies on fertilizers and diesel, while taxes on agricultural machinery and tractors should be abolished. The farmers entered Islamabad earlier in the day, affecting the traffic system of the federal capital. Traffic jams were witnessed at Srinagar Highway, G-9, and G-10 and Ninth Avenue.

Islamabad police enhance Red Zone’s security

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad police said Wednesday that security of the Red Zone had been enhanced, by deploying extra police contingents at its exit and entry points and also placing containers at some points, to deal with any disruption to law and order. The spokesperson for Islamabad police said that some people had turned to the federal capital from Punjab for the fulfillment of their political demands due to which the security of the Red Zone had been enhanced with the deployment of extra police contingents at its entry and exit points. “Those going to offices and educational institutions in the Red Zone are advised to leave for their destinations before time to avoid any difficulty,” he said, adding that a traffic plan would also be released soon for the smooth flow of traffic. “Islamabad police are always ready to deal with any disruption to law and order. Citizens are requested to cooperate with the police. Section 144 is imposed in the city. The violators will be dealt with according to the law,” he warned. Former interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed took a jibe at his successor Rana Sanaullah, saying that he wanted to turn Islamabad into the battlefield of Panipat. Sheikh Rashid further said that hundreds of containers along with large police contingents numbering 30,000 have arrived and on hold for Imran Khan’s call in Islamabad. Talking about Rana Sanaullah’s statement about Imran Khan, Sheikh Rashid referred to him as Ranjeet Singh saying that his thoughts and actions will turn Islamabad into the battleground of Panipat. The Kilometer government will be responsible for building a fence of all the provinces around itself, said the Awami Muslim League chairman. He further said that the nation’s decision evident, and the opposition should go home once the elections are done. Sheikh Rashid further criticized the Pakistan Democratic Movement and the opposition saying that they are trying to escape the elections whereas election is the only solution for national economic and political stability. The petrol prices were also increased last night by Rs1.50, they value of Rupee is decreasing daily and the fuel, electricity and food prices are increasing daily.

Famous play “Rishte Nahi Badalte” staged at Punjab Art Council

By Staff Reporter

RAWALPINDI: A play titled Rishtay Nahi Badalty staged at Punjab Council of the Art. Naheed Manzoor along with Director Arts Council Waqar Ahmed was the Chief Guest of the play. The Play was written and directed by Basharat Jaffri, while the producer of the play was Arshad Chaudhry. Shazia Sheikh Sapna Shah, Liaquat Ali Shah, Jhalak Ali, Arshad Khan, Sajjad Khan, Rizwana Khan, Sofia Ali, Anjum Abbasi and Imran Rushdie were prominent in the play. The story of the play reflects our society that today our blood relations are becoming weaker and stranger like raw threads. In the play, these relationships are beautifully woven and interwoven like the seeds of a rosary. Naheed Manzoor said that plays written on reform themes are closer to reality, due to which their effects are also long-lasting. Arts Council is always trying to promote family plays. The golden age of stage drama will return when families flock to the theaters to watch the drama. All the characters in the drama Rishte Nahi Badalte have shown the essence of excellent acting, for which all deserve appreciation. Director Arts Council Waqar Ahmad said that Punjab Arts Council has always adorned the stage with only standard plays. Providing the best entertainment to the public is the top priority of the Arts Council. A large number of people were present at the Arts Council to watch the play.

Arif Alvi stresses focus on English education with strengthening Urdu

The severe floods in Pakistan, according to Ambassador Donald Blome, have affected many people's lives and means of subsistence

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: President Dr. Arif Alvi has said that in addition to learning and promoting the national language, learning of other languages, especially English, should also be encouraged so as to benefit from the vast reservoir of scientific, technical, and business knowledge available in these languages. At the Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), Islamabad, today's opening session of the three-day 1st Pak TESOL international conference on new developments in English language instruction in Pakistan, President Dr. Arif Alvi made the following remarks. Donald Blome, the US ambassador to Pakistan, and Professor Dr. Zia ul Qayum, the vice chancellor of the AIOU, spoke at the conference as well. President Dr. Arif Alvi spoke at the event and emphasised the need of promoting and developing Urdu because it is part of our legacy and a national language of communication. According to him, learning modern scientific and technological knowledge as well as efficiently presenting Pakistan's viewpoint to the rest of the world could be facilitated by the English language, which is spoken by a sizable population and is a language of international communication. The President stated that it was crucial to study those languages because scientific concepts and expertise were typically only available in the languages of developed nations. Despite the fact that modern research and development were also conducted in other languages, he said, a significant proportion of research was conducted in the English language, making acquiring it crucial for quickening the pace of the nation's progress. The President stated that current applications and technology could be utilised to learn languages in an efficient and simple way. He added that recent developments in information technology (IT), particularly in the form of artificial intelligence, were having an impact on every aspect of life. He went on to say that the concept of education and learning had changed as a result of modern technology, and that remembering facts now held less weight than making rational and analytical decisions.

Angelina Jolie visits Pakistan to support communities affected by devastating floods

By Our Correspondent

DADU: International humanitarian Angelina Jolie is visiting Pakistan to support communities affected by the devastating floods. Heavy rains and floods across the country have impacted 33 million people and submerged one third of the country under water. Ms Jolie is visiting to witness and gain understanding of the situation, and to hear from people affected directly about their needs, and about steps to prevent such suffering in the future. Ms Jolie, who previously visited victims of the 2010 floods in Pakistan, and the 2005 earthquake, will visit the IRC’s emergency response operations and local organisations assisting displaced people including Afghan refugees. Pakistan, which has contributed just 1% of global carbon emissions, is also the second largest host of refugees globally, its people having sheltered Afghan refugees for over forty years. Ms Jolie will highlight the need for urgent support for the Pakistani people and long-term solutions to address the multiplying crises of climate change, human displacement and protracted insecurity we are witnessing globally. Ms Jolie will see first hand how countries like Pakistan are paying the greatest cost for a crisis they did not cause. The IRC hopes her visit will shed light on this issue and prompt the international community - particularly states contributing the most to carbon emissions - to act and provide urgent support to countries bearing the brunt of the climate crisis. Shabnam Baloch, Pakistan Country Director at the IRC said: “The climate crisis is destroying lives and futures in Pakistan, with severe consequences especially for women and children. The resulting economic loss from these floods will likely lead to food insecurity and an increase in violence against women and girls. We need immediate support to reach people in urgent need, and long term investments to stop climate change from destroying our collective futures. With more rains expected in the coming months, we hope Angelina Jolie’s visit will help the world wake up and take action.” IRC’s latest needs assessment shows people are in urgent need of food, drinking water, shelter, and healthcare.

PTI attorney requests additional time in MNA resignations case

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday adjourned hearing of the petition filed by the PTI against the phased acceptance of the resignations given by its 123 members of the National Assembly (MNAs) by the speaker until tomorrow on the request made by the party’s counsel Faisal Chaudhry. The plea was considered by a two-person SC panel under the leadership of CJP, Justice Umar Ata Bandial. Following the adoption of a no-trust vote against their government in April 2022, the PTI MNAs had all resigned in large numbers from their positions. The court had dismissed petitions submitted by PML-N leaders Zafar Ali Shah and Waheed Kamal in 2015 asking for the resignations of PTI MNAs to be accepted, stating that they were now ineffective. Hamid Khan, a lawyer for PTI, stated at the time that the issue concerned the National Assembly, which had already served out its five-year term after being elected in 2013.

Reign of Imran is finished: JUI-F chief

By Our Correspondent

SUKKUR: The former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s days of enjoying political power in Pakistan are now over, the greatest evidence of which is how he has resorted to issue-based politicking. This was said on Wednesday in an interview with the media in Sukkur by Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the chairman of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM). Rehman stated that Imran Khan "never was, is, or will ever be a political leader," and that no political leader deserving of their salt is willing to accept Imran to be a politician. He emphasised that Imran's use of "issue-based politicking" and the brief hoopla surrounding it served as evidence of this. When questioned about Imran's remarks on the selection of the new army chief, Rehman rejected them as another example of Imran trying to politicise a non-political issue. Transgenders are what PTI needs, not JUI. Rehman responded very snarkily when asked about his opinions on the transgender bill before the parliament: "I have nothing to do with it." He continued by saying that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), not his party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazl) JUI-F, needed transgender people. The Transgender Act Every transgender person who is a Pakistani citizen and has reached the age of eighteen is given the right to register with NADRA on their CNIC, CRC, driving licence, and passport in line with the terms of the NADRA Ordinance, 2000, or any other applicable regulations, according to the law. The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazl) JUI-F leader spoke to the media in Larkana and denounced the transgender bill, claiming it violates the Sunnah and the teachings of the Holy Quran. Additionally, he said he will be offering changes to some of its "objectionable portions."

Before our protest call, Capital being turned into fortress: Fawad

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhary said that the entire Islamabad is being made a fortress long before their call for protest. Talking to the media on Wednesday, he said that the government has lost its senses. "We give a message to the government that it should conduct the elections and let the people decide," he added. The PTI leader said that they had not seen such incompetent and fearful in Islamabad. AML leader Sheikh Rasheed said that PTI chairman Imran Khan had not given the call yet, but hundreds of containers have reached Islamabad. "The 27km government is responsible for making a wall of provinces around it," he added. He said that the Ranjit Singh thought wants to make Islamabad the battlefield of Panipat.

Islam has no idea of forced marriage: Ashrafi

By Our Correspondent

KARACHI: Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Interfaith Harmony and Middle East, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi Wednesday said that there was no concept of forced marriage or conversion of religion in Islam. He was speaking at a "National Dialogue with Religious Scholars" that had been organised by UN Women, UNFPA, and UK Aid to discuss the harmful impacts of child marriage and to suggest ways to go forward with effective awareness-raising and advocacy. The debate was attended by the chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology, Doctor Qibla Ayaz, as well as other council members, UN Women, UNFPA, UK Aid, and representatives of other international and national organisations and health professionals. According to Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi, child marriages are a significant societal concern and that girls' health should be prioritised because only a healthy mother can give birth to a healthy kid. He claimed that since Islam was the religion of peace and had given women a dignified role, equating it with child and forced marriages was completely false and without foundation.

Barrister Sultan wants US to take initiative to address the Kashmir issue

Web Desk

WASHINGTON: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Barrister Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry has asked the United States to play its role to bring lasting solution to the Kashmir issue that has been the main cause and consequence of rights violations in the region. In Washington, he spoke with US Deputy Secretary of State Elizabeth Horst and said this. According to the AJK President office, Christopher Jester, the bureau head for South Asia, Central Asia, and Pakistan, also attended the conference. At the time, the president told US Deputy Secretary of State Elizabeth Horst about the deteriorating political and human rights situation in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K), noting that since the 5th of August 2019, the Indian occupation forces' violations of human rights have greatly increased. He added that the Kashmiri people, who had been trapped in extremely difficult situations, were desperately seeking assistance from the international community. "Killing of innocent Kashmiris and arbitrary arrests of civilians, harassment and humiliation of common citizens have become a new normal," he said. In this meeting, Barrister Sultan Mehmood Chaudhry made a point of emphasising that the United States should play a part in putting the UN resolutions into action to end the Kashmir conflict once and for all. He asserted that America must use its diplomatic might to swiftly end the Kashmir conflict. In a later interview with journalists, the president of AJK stated that the world community, in especially the United States, must give the catastrophic situation in IIOJ&K immediate attention.

Public-private partnership key to improve quality of education in Azad Kashmir: PM

By Staff Reporter

MUZAFFARABAD: Prime Minister Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan has said that public-private partnership was key to improve the quality and standard of education in Azad Kashmir.The AJK premier expressed these views while addressing the annual prize distribution ceremony at City School here on Wednesday. Government Ministers including Abdul Majid Khan and Chaudhry Mohammad Rasheed, former Chief Justice High Court Justice Ghulam Mustafa Mughal, Syed Zeeshan Haider, Commissioner Muzaffarabad Masood-ur-Rehman, Sardar Rahim Khan, Sardar Gulfraz, Principal of the Institute Ms. Umbreen Sohail, Rahat Agha, Shaukat Awan and others participated in the ceremony. Speaking on the occasion, the PM said that preparation of a confident new generation was one of the primary duties of the educational institutions. He said that the developed nations across the globe excelled in every field of life because of paying immense attention to education.He said that educational institutions will improve under public-private partnership under step-by-step planning. He said that state-owned educational institutions were also performing on their own, however, for their further improvement, it was imperative to create a mechanism of public-private partnership.

Mushaal bemoans the quiet of the world while IIOJK degenerated into a hellhole

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: Chairperson Peace and Culture Organization Mushaal blasted the world community for their duplicity, as on one hand, they marked International Day of Peace, while on the other, they were totally unconcerned about the unabated atrocities unleashed by India fascist forces that turned Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) into a hellhole. Speaking on behalf of civil society at a protest sit-in outside the Islamabad Press Club on Wednesday to mark International Peace Day and the violation of human rights in IIOJK, she claimed that the picturesque valley had been turned into a slaughterhouse, with no mention of peace in Kashmir. Mushaal, the wife of jailed Kashmiri Hurriyat leader Mohammad Yasin Malik, stated that the situation in the entire valley had been extremely concerning because all of the top Kashmir leaders were being held behind bars and that all brutal tactics were being employed to silence the valley's dissidents. She lamented that every house in IIOJK was now a prison since the occupation forces had gone beyond the bounds of humanity to repress defenceless, unarmed people who were fighting for their right to be born and genuine right to self-determination. She urged the UN to fulfil its responsibility and lessen the decades-long hardships of the IIOJK population.