Daily The Patriot edition of 29-09-22

IT industry rejects political groupings

Karachi: Pakistan’s Software & IT industry – living up to its clean, educated and enlightened reputation – has rejected all trade groups & political parties’ related groupings in the annual elections of Pakistan Software Houses Association and elected a young, accomplished and highly-qualified set of individuals as their Executive Committee members. In a landslide victory and a stunner, all groups have lost the elections and talented IT professionals will run the IT industry in the year ahead.

RPO came to the office and listened to the problems of Peoples

Police officers should solve the problems of the public on merit, Do not take any pressure: Rifat Mukhtar Raja

By Staff Reporter

MULTAN: RPO Rifat Mukhtar Raja came to the office to listen to the problems of the civilians and issued orders. Don't bear any pressure for action to be taken according to merit. Addressing the policemen who came to the office, he said that they should avoid false and baseless requests; it wastes the time of the police. Therefore, you must avoid false applications. Dispensation of justice on merit is ensured by the police. Justice should be ensured at their doorstep. They may even be dismissed from the department. In the end, he said that the police officers and employees should come to the police offices or police stations with patience and tolerance in order to eliminate the gap between the people and the police. Meanwhile, the Regional Police Officer has dismissed Inspector Tanveer Ahmed Bhatta from the department for abuse of authority, corruption and departmental negligence. There is no room for corrupt elements in Multan region. Corruption is an evil that needs to be rooted out.

Punjab reports 326, Balochistan 51 new dengue cases

By Staff Reporter

LAHORE: Dengue epidemic grips flood-affected areas of the country as Punjab reports 326 and Balochistan 51 new dengue cases. According to statistics provided by the Punjab health department, 326 new dengue virus cases were reported in the province in the last 24 hours. Lahore reported 163, Rawalpindi 88 and Gujranwala reported 26 new cases, told Secretary Punjab Health Department. While Balochistan reported 51 new cases of Dengue virus in the last 24 hours, the provincial health department reported. Lasbela reported 30 new cases, Kech 16, while Gawadar reported five new dengue virus cases. The federal capital reported 90 more dengue virus cases in the last 24 hours taking the total tally of cases to 2,162 in the current season, District Health Officer (DHO) Islamabad. While Karachi reported 254 new cases of dengue virus on Tuesday.

Economics crisis is at full bloom

By District Reporter

CHAKWAL: Senior Journalist Khawaja Babar Saleem Mahmood said on Wednesday that PDM has the last chance of Ishaq Dar's arrival in Pakistan. If the economic situation remains the same, then the chances of an unfortunate accident have increased. The main reason for the current deteriorating economic situation of the country is political instability, at this time the governments have become completely symbolic and there is a situation of uncertainty in the country due to which the genie of inflation has completely come out of the bottle and the common man in it. The difficulties have increased. With each passing day people are facing problems and difficulties and no bright streak is visible in the near future. He was speaking at the Live From Press Club studio. The host of the program, Zulfikar Mir, said that three crore people of the country are submerged in floods, while the load shedding of electricity and needle gas in Chakwal has made the life of the common man more difficult, heavy electricity bills have started coming again. Because of which, heartlessness and despair spread among the people is a natural process. Religious scholar Pir Abdul Shakoor Naqshbandi said that the current situation needs to be improved anyway, while it seems that the ruling circles are not concerned about it and non-Islamic in the country. And non-Sharia bills are being brought which is a big joke with the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. He said that the Federal Shariah Court has declared usury as haram, but the decision has not yet been implemented. He said that the implementation of the Islamic system is the solution to our problems now. Senior journalist Khawaja Daniyal Saleem said that the main reason for inflation is administrative weakness. Market Committee Chakwal sets the prices of vegetables and fruits on a daily basis, but this Not being processed. The prices of essential commodities have also been fixed by the district administration, but the essential commodities are not available at these prices in any place. He said that reform seems impossible now without severe punishments, because the entire system has become corrupt, incompetent and slow and all the government departments which are made for the convenience of the people are creating difficulties for the people. Senior journalist Raja Iftikhar Ahmad said that people are being given lollipops in electricity bills, the government is playing cat and mouse game with the people, although fuel adjustment has been announced to be abolished but it has been re-introduced in the current electricity bills. Senior anchor Abdul Khaliq Darwish said that the priorities of the government are different, due to which ten crore people have migrated in the country of 22 crores and it has not been possible to provide basic facilities to them. The rich are getting richer while the poor are getting poorer with each passing day. The present system has become outdated and smelly, so the ruling circles must now think that to bring this country on the right path, some S system must be devised with good intentions, so that earning two meals a day is not a big problem for the common man.

Punjab CM, US Ambassador agree to promote partnership in different sectors

LAHORE: US Ambassador Donald Blome met with Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhary Parvez Elahi at Chief Minister’s Office and discussed matters of mutual interest. It was agreed to promote partnership in population planning, alternate energy, agriculture and water management sectors. The CM briefed about public welfare initiatives and legislation for saving campuses from drugs and thanked him for extending support to Pakistan during the corona pandemic. "Pakistan gives special importance to its relations with the US. Reforms are being introduced in different sectors. In this regard, US technical assistance will be welcomed," he said. The chief minister pointed out that the education reforms program of his last tenure was globally recognized and added that degree-level education, as well as textbooks, has been made free for the students. "The legislation will be enacted to rid the educational institutions of drugs and American assistance would be beneficial in this regard," he added. The CM stated that a special anti-narcotics force would be established and those giving information about the sale and purchase of drugs would be rewarded. "Similarly, special courts would be set up to hold a daily trial of drug pushers." He hoped that US assistance in R&D would yield positive results to increase agri productivity while its cooperation in the new cotton seed would sufficiently increase cotton production. "It is hoped that partnership between the Punjab government and the US will be promoted as the provincial government is following a public-centric agenda," the CM concluded. The ambassador said that America gives great importance to its relations with Pakistan and that cooperation with the Punjab government would be further promoted. US Consul General William K Makaneole, Political and Economic Chief Kathleen Gibilisco, P&D former chairman Salman Ghani, chief secretary, Chairman PBIT Fazeel Asif and others were present.

PAK Vs ENG: Security beefed up in Lahore for T201 matches 

By Staff Reporter

LAHORE: Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Lahore Ghulam Mahmood Dogar on Wednesday reviewed security arrangements ahead of fifth T20I match between Pakistan and England at the Qaddafi Stadium. Team England is currently in Lahore to play the remaining three matches of the 7-match T20I series against Pakistan. Lahore police chief said they will ensure foolproof security and a peaceful environment during the match. Security of the players, Qaddafi Stadium, and routes of the team will be beefed up. Snippers will be deployed at the high-rise buildings at the routes of the team, while strict vigilance will be ensured to avert any untoward incident, CCPO Lahore Ghulam Mahmood Dogar said. The CCPO said that security would remain at high alert during all the scheduled matches in Lahore till the departure of visiting teams. Earlier Lahore police conducted full dress rehearsal for the implementation of security SOPs made to ensure security of the coming event and visiting teams. During visit of Qaddafi Stadium, senior police officers briefed the CCPO Lahore regarding the security and traffic arrangements. The Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Lahore inspected the security arrangements at different sections of the stadium including entrance and exit points and gates.

4 days’ workshop on self-assessment report (SAR) concludes at GKMC-MTI Swabi 

By Staff Reporter

SWABI: To enhance the quality of medical education in the country, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) instructed all the universities, including KMU Peshawar, to assess their respective affiliated medical institutions against a set of criteria developed by the HEC. In this connection, a four days’ workshop on Self-Assessment Report (SAR) writing was conducted by the Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) of the college, in Gajju Khan Medical College (GKMC) Swabi. Workshop was attended by the teaching faculty from basic and clinical sciences. Prof Dr. Ishtiaq Head of Medical Education Department and Dr. Mohammad Khalid Director, Quality Enhancement Cell were the resource persons for this workshop. Dean/CEO MTI-GKMC/BKMC Swabi, Prof Dr. Shams-Ur-Rahman, emphasized the importance of Quality Enhancement as one of the key factors for competing at national as well as international level. He urged the participants to strive for attaining and maintaining the criteria and standards set by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). During this workshop, the participants were briefed about the importance and need of Quality enhancement and Quality Assurance in medical education, said director Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) . The director Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) explained the process of Quality Assurance and Quality Enhancement. Throughout the workshop, all the participants were actively engaged in group work for the workshop activities for preparing SAR, Director QEC added. Closing session of the workshop was attended by Dr. Muhammad Tufail, member BOG and Prof Dr. Shams-Ur-Rahman, the Dean/CEO MTI-GKMC/BKMC Swabi. In his closing remarks Dr. Muhammad Tufail appreciated the Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) for successfully conducting the workshop. He expressed that quality enhancement is a continuous process and helps in attaining and maintaining institutional ranking among medical institutions. Dean of the college also appreciated the efforts of Director QEC Dr. Khalid and Saeed Afsar Assistant Manager Quality Assurance for successfully conducting the workshop. He also lauded the technical support provided by Prof Dr. Ishtiaq Khan (Director DME) as a resource person for the workshop. He assured that all required support will be provided to the Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) for quality enhancement of medical education in the institution. The dean congratulated the participants and urged them to advocate for development of quality enhancement in the institution. He further added that the objectives of this workshop can only be achieved through continuous practice of quality assurance by all the participants in their respective departments. At the end of workshop, Dr. Muhammad Tufail and Prof Dr. Shams-Ur-Rahman awarded certificates to the participants. They also awarded appreciation certificates to Prof Dr. Ishtiaq Khan, Dr. Mohammad Khalid, Mr. Saeed Afsar and Mr. Mudassar Azam.

Citizens are feeling insecure due to street crimes in Karachi, armed robberies and looting: Kaukab Iqbal 

By Staff Reporter

KARACHI: Citizens are feeling insecure due to street crimes in Karachi, armed robberies and looting. Kaukab Iqbal, the chairman of Consumer Association of Pakistan, said that the valuable lives of the breadwinners of many families have been lost in robberies, due to which the economic condition of countless families has become extremely worse and the perpetrators of crimes are roaming freely. He said while presiding over a meeting to review the increasing crime in the city in the CAP office. He said that the citizen who wants to get an arms license for his own protection should be issued an arms license by the government immediately and those who have an arms license should protect themselves and their families. Should be encouraged to use for the protection of if the increasing incidents of robbery are not controlled, then the citizens should not start acting on the kill-or-die formula, because when the feeling of insecurity starts to increase, many factors start to arise, so it is necessary that the Sindh Police along with the Rangers should also fulfill their responsibility. Kaukab Iqbal said that the Mohalla Association should play its role for the police community. He said that from October to February there is a season of marriages. It has returned, but at the same time, buyers are panicking. Kaukab Iqbal said that the Sector Commanders of Rangers and the SSP of the area should set up an open kachehri in their areas so that they can know about the incidents in a timely manner. There is a need to make the system of 15 effective, additional police personnel should be posted in different areas. The number of crimes in the area is increasing, the SHO should be replaced immediately, the areas should be re-allowed to put up gates under their own security, and allow one way to come and go from the other way, so that illegal activities can be detected. If the law will be strong and the punishments will be quick, then surely the people involved in the incidents can reach their end. He further said that increasing crimes not only affect the economy, but it does not take time for a civilized society to become secular, so it is important to restore the sense of security among the citizens.

CHANGE/CORRECTION IN FATHER'S NAME

I Humaira bibi have passed secondary school certificate annual examination 2010 under role number 62902 and intermediate annual examination 2012 under role number 381926 from B.I.S.E., Sargodha. My father’s name is Tariq Mahmood whereas on certificates has been mentioned as Muhammad Tariq Mahmood which is incorrect. I want to get changed my father’s name from Muhammad Tariq Mehmood to Tariq Mahmood. 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.

Court Notice

In the Court of Judge, Banking Court No. 1 Lahore Old State Bank Building OPP G.P.O, Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam Lahore. Suit No. 2022. Mr.Muhammad Amir Riaz Plaintiff United Bank limited(defendants). Summons U/S 9(5) of the Financial Institutions (Recovery of Finances) Ordinance, 2001. (Ordinance No: SL VI of 2001). Summons to United Bank Limited regional Headquater at Main Gulberg Jail Road Lahore . Whereas the aforesaid plaintiff has instituted a suit against you and others for the recovery of suit U/S 9 along with the mark up claimed to be payable by you. Summons U/S 9(5) of Ordinance No XL VI of 2001 referred to above is hereby issued requiring you to make within 30 days of the service of this summon an application for leave to defend the suit U/S 10 ibid. Take notice that on your failure to file such application within time specified above the Banking Court shall pass a decree as prayed for in the plaint, in favour of the plaintiff Banking Company. Next date for the further proceedings, in the case has been fixed on 13-10-22. Given under my hand and seal of the court this 08-9-2022. Judge Banking Court no.1, Lahore

COMSTECH Organizes Seminar on Women’s Health

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: COMSTECH organized a seminar on current trends in virology and epidemiology in the context of women’s health at COMSTECH on Tuesday. Coordinator General COMSTECH, Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary welcomed the participants. He said that this multidisciplinary international event is focused on Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection and associated cancers in women. He informed that this program is designed to not only deliver an inventory of recent scientific research, but also to provide awareness and sensitization in health care workers, opinion makers, and general public. Prof. Choudhary said that the objective is to help all stakeholders to be better prepared to fight against the diseases related to HPV. Prof. Choudhary mentioned that according to a recent article in prestigious science general Lancet Oncology, Pakistan is becoming the hotspot of HPV which is still overlooked as a major risk factor for cervical cancer in over 86 million women 15 years and older. Actual prevalence of HPV infections and related morbidity and mortality remain to be investigated in systematic manner. He said only a few epidemiological and molecular studies have been conducted on this topic. He said that among the general public, HPV is perhaps is the most underrated viral disease in OIC region. This event is meant to highlight knowledge and public awareness deficits about HPV. Country Director, Jhpiego, Johns Hopkins University Affiliate, Dr. Fozia Assad said that HPV causes cervical cancer and other cancers which is one of the top four causes of cancer deaths in women. She mentioned that over 600,000 cases of cervical cancer worldwide each year, caused by HPV. Dr. Fozia said we have effective HPV vaccine for over three decades which stops the spread of HPV infection and 90% drop in cervical cancer. She said that girls can be saved by vaccinating them before the age of 17. She said the elimination of this scourge of women’s health is truly possible. Director, Institute for Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral Diseases, University of Tubingen, Germany, Prof. Dr. Thomas Iftner said in his inaugural remarks that we need to tackle cancers at very early stages. Dr. Iftner said there are different forms of cancers and we have chance to prevent cancer by using vaccines available to save lives. Professor of Medicine, Aga Khan University of Health Sciences, Dr. Waseem Jafry, said that if these health issues are not handled today will have catastrophic impact in future. He said viral diseases are global problems. Dr. Jafry suggested that the ministry of health should be sensitizing to tackle the emerging health issues. Six lectures were delivered on different aspects of the topic by national and international experts along with the panel discussions. More than 150 participants jointed this seminar in-person and online.

E & International delegation meets key government stakeholders from Telecom & Privatization Sector

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: A high level delegation from e& International comprising of top management held meetings with Federal Secretary IT, Federal Secretary Privatization, and other key government stakeholders in Islamabad on Wednesday. The delegation led by CEO International, e&, Mikhail Gerchukmet with the Federal Secretary IT, Mohsin Mushtaq, Federal Secretary for Privatization, Dr. Iram A. Khan and Chairman PTA, Major General (R) Amir Azeem Bajwa HI (M). The delegation from e& was accompanied by President and Group CEO, PTCL & Ufone, Hatem Bamatraf. During the meeting, Mohsin Mushtaq welcomed the delegation from E & International to Pakistan. Matters of mutual interest were discussed with focus especially on Telecom Sector and its significance on the national economic growth. The agenda of discussion also included E & International and PTCL Group’s incredible support in developing a strong infrastructure in Pakistan that would surely transform the country into a digitalized economy. The management and government officials exchanged their views on the ongoing crisis in the country by the recent floods and ways to extend joint support for the people during these tough times. The discussion also included the issue of telecom companies in Pakistan requiring import of communication equipment for their network up-gradation and expansion as well as to maintain the quality-of-service requirements mandated for the sector. In addition, both sides talked about the resolution of prevailing regulatory issues of the telecom sector in Pakistan.CEO International, e&, Mikhail Gerchuk commended the tremendous efforts of the Government of Pakistan including Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication and Ministry of Privatization. President and Group CEO, PTCL & Ufone, Hatem Bamatrafbriefed the government officials and dignitaries regarding the Rs. 1.75 billion flood relief package.

Pakistan reports 78 corona virus cases, no death in 24 hours

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reported no death in the last 24 hours by novel corona virus as the number of confirmed positive cases has surged to 1,572,488. The nationwide tally of fatalities stands at 30,612 on Wednesday. According to the latest figures by the National Institute of Health (NIH), at least 78 persons were tested positive for COVID-19 across the country in the past 24 hours. Pakistan has conducted 11,418 tests in the past 24 hours out of which 78 persons were tested positive for the disease. The COVID Positivity Ratio was recorded at 0.68 percent.

African Diplomats keen to promote trade ties with Pakistan

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) opened an Africa Facilitation Desk that would work to facilitate the business community in exploring opportunities of trade, exports and investment with African countries. Mohammed Karmoune, Dean of the African Corps and Ambassador of Morocco to Pakistan inaugurated the Africa Desk as Chief Guest. Jemal Beker Ambassador of Ethiopia, Salih Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed Siddig Ambassador of Sudan, Mohammed Bello Abioye High Commissioner of Nigeria and Philip Riley Counsellor of South African High Commission were also present at the inaugural ceremony. Speaking at the occasion, Mohammed Karmoune, Dean of the African Corps and Ambassador of Morocco to Pakistan lauded the initiative of ICCI for opening Africa Desk as it was the first Chamber in Pakistan to open such a desk. He said that Africa was the continent of the future and there was a huge potential for Pakistan to enhance trade & exports with it as well as explore joint ventures and investment in the African region of 55 countries. The Ambassadors of Ethiopia & Sudan, High Commissioner of Nigeria and Counsellor of South Africa also spoke at the occasion and said that Asia and Africa should come together to promote trade and economic ties to achieve progress and prosperity. They said that Pakistan should focus on Africa for exports as it was still an untapped market for Pakistan. Muhammad Shakeel Munir, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry briefed the African diplomats about the aims and objectives of opening Africa Facilitation Desk at ICCI. He said that the Desk would work to provide business related information to the business community so that they could be facilitated in capitalizing on opportunities of trade, exports, business and investment in the African market. Jamshaid Akhtar Sheikh Senior Vice President, Muhammad Faheem Khan Vice President ICCI, Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari newly elected President ICCI, Zafar Bakhtawari former President ICCI and others also spoke at the occasion. They appreciated that Ethiopia was going to start direct flights with Pakistan and stressed that other African countries should also start direct flights with Pakistan that would help in promoting trade, tourism, people to people contacts, business and investment relations between Pakistan and the African region.

Armed forces continue relief, rescue operation in flood-affected area

By Staff Reporter

RAWALPINDI: Armed forces including Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force continue carrying out relief and rescue operations in flood-affected areas of the country. Pakistan Navy’s four flood relief centres and 18 central collection points have collected and distributed over 1805 tonnes of food, 6553 tents, and 7,35,263 litres of mineral water among flood-affected people. According to the National Flood Relief Coordination Centre (NFRCC) at least 25,973 people have taken refuge in 22 Navy camps. At least 15,568 people have been rescued by 23 emergency response teams of the Pakistan Navy, the National Flood Relief Coordination Centre (NFRCC) told. The Emergency Response teams of the Pakistan Navy have 54 motorized boats, and 2 hover crafts, while two helicopters are assigned to rescue people in Sindh. The National Flood Relief Coordination Centre (NFRCC) told that a total of 479 people have been rescued via 70 flights of the Navy helicopter while 5333 ration bags were also distributed using it. Pakistan Navy also established 86 medical camps which have treated over 1,08,990 patients so far, the National Flood Relief Coordination Centre (NFRCC) told. While, Pakistan Air Force’s C-130, MI-17, and AW-139 planes took 262 flights while Air Force helicopters took 1521 flights. Pakistan Airforce distributed 6583 tents and over 5,70,341 food packets. Teams distributed 3353.26 tonnes of food and 287,183-litre mineral water. Pakistan Air Force established 46 medical camps, treating over 72,228 patients, while 19,807 people have taken refuge in 20 campsites established by the Pakistan Airforce. Army Aviation helicopters have taken 625 flights for flood-relief operations rescuing 4,659 stranded people, while 1807.02 tonnes of food was supplied to flood-affected people, the National Flood Response Coordination Center National Flood Relief Coordination Centre (NFRCC) said. A total of 147 relief camps, over 300 medical camps, and 172 relief collection points have been established across the country, National Flood Relief Coordination Centre (NFRCC) said. Over 6,19,808 people have been treated in the medical camps so far, and patients are being provided 5-day medicine, it added.

IHC throws out petition against suspension of Adiala Jail staff 

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday threw out the petition against the suspension of Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi staff, saying it was inadmissible for the hearing. Speaking on the occasion, IHC Chief Justice (CJ) Justice Athar Minallah said that the case did not fall in the court’s jurisdiction. “This is a human rights issue; this is certainly a big issue,” he remarked. Addressing Ali Bukhari, the counsel for the petitioners, he said, “Allow me to tell what kind of treatment the jail staff metes out to the prisoners.” Concurring with the observation made by the CJ, the counsel said the fact was those who were involved in the inhuman treatment of prisoners were allowed to go scot-free, while those who were innocent were suspended. Justice Minallah told him that on his orders, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) was working on the case. Hardly 24 hours ago, Tuesday September 27, 2022, the IHC, while declaring Adiala Jail a detention camp, had ordered the National Commission for Human Rights to launch investigation into the alleged torture and inhumane treatment of prisoners in the jail. “The allegations levelled in the petition of a prisoner are, prima facie, not baseless,” the court said. “According to the confidential report, the Adiala Jail has been turned into a detention camp instead of being run according to the law,” the court added. “In the jail, prisoners are treated inhumanely, and there take place gross violations of human rights,” the court stated. “The court hereby orders National Commission for Human Rights to investigate human rights violations in Adiala Jail,” the court ordered. The Punjab member of the National Commission for Human Rights was ordered to submit an investigation report to the IHC as soon as possible. And four days ago, responding to the complaint of an inmate, Justice Minallah had visited Adiala Jail. During his visit, he heard stories of corruption and torture inflicted on prisoners by the jail staff. After his visit, the Punjab government and the Inspector General of Prisons, Punjab had suspended several staffers.

Red Zone sealed ahead of Kissan Ittehad protest 

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has sealed the Red Zone ahead of the possible protest of Pakistan Kissan Ittehad (PKI) on Wednesday. According to details, all routes leading to the Red Zone except that Margalla Road have been sealed. Ayub Chowk, Express Chowk and Nadra Chowk are closed; the traffic said and added that one lane is open from Serena Chowk for entry in Red Zone. The police said that no one will be allowed to enter the Red Zone. Officials have been ordered to take strict action against anyone who tries to enter the Red Zone. The government has ordered the deployment of the Anti-Riots Force to ensure the security of the Red Zone. The protesting farmers have been demanding 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 on September 20, affecting the traffic system of the federal capital.

PKR, PSX gain for third consecutive session 

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani Rupee on Wednesday gained by Rs1.95 against the US Dollar and is currently trading at Rs231.96 in the interbank market, while the KSE-100 index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) has risen by 207 points. In the open market, the PKR is trading at Rs230-232 against the greenback The PKR has started the trading day at a high by gaining Rs1.95 in the interbank market. The PKR is trading against the USD at Rs232.51. The local currency has gained by over Rs10 since Monday. The KSE-100 Index of the PSX also witnessed a bullish trend since the start of trading on the third business day of the week. After gaining 207 points, the KSE-100 index is currently at 41,725 points. On Tuesday, according to the forex dealers, the local currency gained Rs3.11 against the US dollar in the interbank market and settled at Rs233.91, while the same is being sold at Rs234 to 236 in the open market. On September 26, the Pakistani rupee ended its losing streak against the US Dollar, as the greenback depreciated by Rs4.15 in the interbank.

RAWALPINDI: Deputy Commissioner Tahir Farooq is distributing kits to the players of the Punjab Interschool North Championship cricket tournament.

Pakistan reports 78 corona virus cases, no death in 24 hours

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reported no death in the last 24 hours by novel corona virus as the number of confirmed positive cases has surged to 1,572,488. The nationwide tally of fatalities stands at 30,612 on Wednesday. According to the latest figures by the National Institute of Health (NIH), at least 78 persons were tested positive for COVID-19 across the country in the past 24 hours. Pakistan has conducted 11,418 tests in the past 24 hours out of which 78 persons were tested positive for the disease. The COVID Positivity Ratio was recorded at 0.68 percent.

‘Muslim world should develop intellectual capabilities to produce indigenous knowledge in Science’

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi has said that the Muslim world should utilize its financial resources for providing quality education to its youth and enhancing the intellectual capabilities of the Ummah so that indigenous knowledge may be produced in Muslim countries. He added that Science and Technology were playing a pivotal role in the modern world as they affected human development in all aspects of life and could be used to transform the Muslim world. The President said this while chairing the 31st Executive Committee meeting of COMSTECH, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, today. President Dr Arif Alvi is the Chairman of the OIC Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH). Secretary General OIC, Mr Hissein Brahim Taha, Kazakhstan’s Minister for Education and Science, Sayasat Nurbek, Nigeria’s Minister for Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onuh, Palestine’s Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Mr Ishaq Sidr, Qatar’s Under Secretary of Ministry of Education, Professor Dr Ibrahim Saleh Al-Nuaimi, President of King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology of Saudi Arabia, Dr Munir M Eldesouki, UAE’s Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology, Ms Sarah bin Yousif Al-Amiri, Representative of the Chair of 14th OIC Summit, Saudi Arabia, Representative of the Chair of 2nd OIC Summit of Science & Technology, UAE joined the meeting virtually. Secretary Ministry of Science & Technology, Pakistan and Coordinator General of COMSTECH gave a briefing regarding the agenda of the 31st Executive Committee meeting of the COMSTECH. During the meeting, the President said that the sharing of knowledge by the developed world with the recipient countries was likely to diminish due to copyright laws, which necessitated for the Muslim world to take collective and meaningful steps to generate indigenous knowledge in critical areas by promoting Research & Development (R&D) in the field of Science and Technology. - PR

The future of PTI?

Asif Mahmood

PTI is yet again in news and not for good reason. An audio leak has actually placed the party at odds with the narrative it is having and with the high moral pedestals it claims to have as a copyright. The way the PTI is to chew its own, otherwise spitted, claims is an interesting episode. Not only interesting; it is actually unprecedented what goes around from PTI comes around to PTI. And it comes so quickly that makes everyone’s stomach churn a little , a lot, perhaps, when it comes to PTI leadership. I have mentioned it earlier and here I repeat again that amidst the political woes PTI is grapples with , a crunch question come to fore: what is the future of PTI? Is it destined to be washed out as a leading political force or it is all set to emerge as a more powerful actor of power struggle? Imran Khan’s political struggle can be divided into two phases. First part started with the emergence of PTI and the second phase started with unprecedented Lahore public meeting of PTI. This second phase is about to end in near future. Now this is third phase. In this Phase it has to prove its mettle. No aid is in the offing. No patronage. No one page. No breeze. No favorable pitch. No home ground. If he plays deaf he is doomed. And if he overplays yet again the result would be the same. This phase needs sagacity and prudence. I wonder if PTI can rise to the challenge. The first phase of Imran Khan portrayed him as a hapless leader. Despite being a cricketing hero he could not manage to get more than just one seat in the national assembly. It is only after some “spiritual” forces came to his aid that electables started pouring into PTI. Thanks to this management he reached at the top i.e. the Prime Minister of Pakistan. What a paradox it is that the same factor , it is believed , was pushing him towards the exit of power. This is not the end of the game. In politics, there is no full stop. There has always been a light at the end of a political tunnel. The leadership should have some vision and self-control. The arrival of Ishaq Dar is speaking volumes of the fact that game is always on in the politics. There is always a room for the second coming. You are not doomed with the ouster from the corridor of power. You are doomed if you fell short of temper.

Action on the news of The Patriot, Rawalpindi police took action against the Land mafia of Housing societies 

Within two days of The Patriot news on the direction of CPO Syed Nadeem Shahzad Bukhari, SP Sadr Ahmed Zanir Cheema conducted a major search operation in the vicinity of Chontra and Chakri

By Malik Zubair Awan  RAWALPINDI: A grand operation was conducted by Police after a detailed story published in Daily The Patriot Newspaper. During the search operation, 30 suspects were arrested, and a large number of arms and ammunition were recovered. More than 130 officers and personnel including elite commandos participated in the search operation. DSP Sadr Beyroni Kazim Naqvi, SHO Chakri, and Chontra were also accompanied by SP Sadr. Cases are being registered against the accused in Chakri and Chontra police stations. The accused will also be investigated in relation to terrorism cases and they will be punished. Crackdown against illegal weapons and law-breaking elements will continue all over the area for the peace and betterment of the area and writ of Authority will strictly be imposed with no fear. Occupancy under the guise of housing societies, be it mafia, illegal arms, or anyone instilling fear in the citizens, will not escape the grip of the law. All this happened after an open inquiry held by the CPO at Chakri and soon after a detailed story published in Daily The Patriot pointed out the illegal activities of Housing Societies with facts and figures by naming the culprits and their facilitators. It is important to mention here that action was taken in past as well but lodging of weak FIR's/cases and setting up free the real owners and their supporters. The disadvantage of which was that the accused were released easily and after that, the illegal activities were continued again with vigor. The complainants suffered the loss of life and money. However, we hope that this will not happen again and action against all the active groups will be completed comprehensively.

Ashrafi appeals nation and Msulim Ummah to help flood victims

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Interfaith Harmony and Middle East Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi on Wednesday appealed the nation and Muslim Ummah to help the flood victims generously, especially during the holy month of Rabi-ul-Awwal. Speaking at a press conference, Ashrafi, who is also the chairman of the Pakistan Ulama Council, said that in light of the sanctity of the holy month of Rabi-ul-Awwal, philanthropists should come forward and assist flood-affected people across the country. He stated that in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), we should provide all possible assistance to the affected people.

Audio leaked for good, cypher should be made public: Imran 

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman on Wednesday said that it is a good thing that the audio of him with Azam Khan has surfaced and demanded that the cypher should be made public now. While talking with the media at Punjab House in Islamabad on Wednesday, the former prime minister downplayed his alleged remarks, saying, 'I have not yet played cypher.' The former prime minister slammed the coalition government and reiterated that after the regime change, the country was ruled by notorious looters who waived Rs1100 billion soon after taking power. He questioned whether the enemy could commit the same atrocities that they [the coalition government] had in the previous five months. Concerning China, the PTI Chairman stated that when he [Imran] was Prime Minister, relations with China were at an all-time high. According to Imran, due to the coronavirus outbreak, China was closed to foreigners for two years. He claimed that his government had paid for the COVID-19 vaccine. The PTI Chairman slammed Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) vice-president Maryam Nawaz, saying she has no shame in importing machinery from India for her son-in-law. Meanwhile, Fawad Chaudhry, a former information minister and PTI leader, has attempted to downplay the audio leaks targeting former Prime Minister Imran Khan by claiming that an attempt was made to conceal the American cypher from the then-prime minister. In a tweet posted on Wednesday, the former PTI information minister retorted that the new leaks only confirmed that an attempt was made to conceal the American cypher from then prime minister. In the leaked telephonic conversation, both then prime minister Imran Khan and his principal secretary Azam Khan could be heard discussing the US cypher, which had led to the ouster of the PTI government after the passage of no-trust motion in the National Assembly on April 10, 2022. In the leaked audio, Imran could be heard directing his then principal secretary that they should play with the cypher issue without taking the name of the United States. “Let’s play with it and make it foreign plot,” Imran could be heard suggesting. In around one and a half minute-long audio clip, Imran can be heard saying: “We just have to play with it, by hiding the date and without naming US”.

We will be responsible if Imran not made example: Maryam Nawaz

By Our Correspondent

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday termed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan a ‘traitor’, saying that if he [Imran] is not taught a lesson, then everybody will be held responsible for the destruction of the country. Maryam took a jab at Imran Khan in a series of tweets on the social networking website Twitter, writing that the painful thing is not that the person who has trained abroad and supported financially is playing with Pakistan's destiny, but the worrying aspect is that Imran was doing everything while everyone was watching silently. She went on to say that for four years, a country of 220 million people was held hostage by an incompetent and traitor, and he [Imran] left no stone unturned to destroy the country internally and externally, and people like Saqib Nisar referred to him as "Sadiq and Ameen." "What is a crime that has not been proven against Imran?" she inquired.

MUZAFFARABAD: Prime Minster AK&K in meeting with former Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed.

Bank of Azad Jammu and Kashmir's total assets reached an all-time high of Rs 27.4 billion 

Multifold increase in total asset value is a reflection of the growth of the bank and the full confidence of the customers, says President/CEO Khawar Saeed 

By Our Correspondent

MUZAFFARABAD: Bank of Azad Jammu and Kashmir's total asset value has reached the highest level of Rs 27.4 billion which is a record in the last 15 years history of the financial institution. During the first half of 2022, the assets increased by 4 billion rupees. While presiding over a review meeting held at the head office on Wednesday, Mr. Khawar Saeed, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank, said that in the first half of 2022, the total assets of the bank increased by Rs. 4 billion. The value of assets has reached an all-time high of Rs 27.4 billion, while last year's assets reached a level of Rs 23.7 billion with a multi-fold increase. It is worth mentioning here that in the year 2019, the total assets of the bank were only 13.566 billion rupees, which increased to 16.819 billion rupees in 2020, further increased to 23.693 billion rupees in 2021, and in the first half of 2022, the asset value reached the highest level of 27.4 billion rupees. Sources say that the financial institution moving towards the progress under the patronage of the AJK Government, Board of Directors, especially Chairmanship of Khan Abdul Majid Khan, under the supervision of Mr. Khawar Saeed, the President of the Bank and team work, day and night work of the staff and with the support of customers the targets have been achieved. According to the spokesperson of the Bank, the multifold increase in the value of total assets is a reflection of the progress of the bank and the full confidence of the customers.