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KU discourages drug and tobacco use on campus

By
AHMD Raja
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0
KARACHI, Feb 14 (APP):University of Karachi has a zero-tolerance policy regarding drug and tobacco use on campus as the KU discourages the consumption of tobacco substances in any form in academic and residential zones of the University of Karachi.
The KU has already implemented the Higher Education Commission-Islamabad policy on drug and tobacco abuse in the higher educational institutions of the country in letter and spirit and it has included clause(s) regarding discouraging the use of cigarettes and tobacco in any form on campus for the last few decades.
These views were expressed by the KU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi during a meeting with the Director of Research and Analysis Activities HEC-Islamabad Engineer Sulaiman Ahmad at the KU Secretariat on Wednesday. Professor Dr Farah Iqbal, Professor Dr Tanveer Abbas, Dr Salman Zubair, and Dr Nosheen Raza were also present on this occasion.
The VC shared that they have managed to remove the illegal slums, with the help of the authorities concerned, which have encroached on the KU land and been found involved in selling drug substances in the city. We have now allowed the nurseries to set up plant sales outlets to make that part of the land a green and clean territory.
He informed Sulaiman Ahmad that recently several agencies had conducted an on-ground survey and shared their findings with him according to those reports the KU was one of the public sector universities where the use of tobacco was found in very low numbers. Those reports have appreciated our efforts in making a tobacco-free campus, and give us the highest ratings, he added.
He shared that besides taking strict measures against the use of tobacco on campus. They have also provided many facilities to differently-abled students and also exempted their tuition fees.
Earlier, the Director of Research and Analysis Activities HEC-Islamabad Engineer Sulaiman Ahmad briefed the members of the meeting that the Senate has recently passed a resolution to implement a policy on drug and tobacco abuse at HEIs in the country, and the HEC-Islamabad has decided to send monitoring teams for the implementation of the said policy.
He mentioned that the HEC-Islamabad is keenly focusing on implementing the policy in the direction of the Senate to ensure drug-free and smoke-free campuses across the country.
He shared that the purpose of his visit was to assess the support of university practices with the HEC’s policies, providing an overview and identifying areas for improvement.
Sulaiman Ahmad observed that a thorough monitoring visit will not only provide valuable insights into the current state of policy implementation but will also help in fostering a culture of responsibility, transparency, and continuous improvement within our institutions.
He mentioned that a support mechanism will be required to fully implement this policy and the parents of students would play a key role in this regard.
He hoped that the staff and faculty would also follow the policy guidelines to reduce the alarming figures of drug and tobacco use in the country.
Quoting a United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime report, he shared that Pakistan has seven million drug users and every one of three drug users is a woman, and mentioned that the World Health Organization has reported that more than eight million people die each year from tobacco use with 1.2 million of these deaths from passive smoking along and many others facing tobacco-related health complications.
The HEC-Islamabad official said that they have initiated a toll-free National Youth Helpline Desk to discuss their problems.
Meanwhile, the KU focal person for the HEC policy on drug and tobacco use at HEIs, Professor Dr Farah Iqbal shared that the KU always advises the students to keep themselves away from drugs and smoking in and outside the campus and every year during the orientation day newcomers are warned about its side effects.
She mentioned that gates, canteens, and other locations are regularly monitored and reported cases are handed over to relevant bodies for legal action.

WASA disconnects 155 connections of defaulters

By
AHMD Raja
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0
MULTAN, Feb 14 (APP):Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) teams have disconnected 155 connections of defaulters and recovered Rs 3 million in a day.
This was stated in a meeting held under supervision of Deputy Managing Director Engineering and chairman recovery committee Jawad Kaleemullah here on Wednesday.
He directed officials to launch an effective crackdown against sewerage and water supply defaulters and to accelerate the disconnection drive.
He ordered to detect illegal connections and to improve the performance further regarding recovery.
On this occasion, Deputy Directors Recovery Abdul Majeed, Muhammad Arshad, Assistant Directors Recovery and others
were present.

PEC Punjab reviews preparations for re-polling in 26 polling stations of NA-88

By
AHMD Raja
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LAHORE, Feb 14 (APP):Provincial Election Commissioner (PEC) Punjab, Ijaz Anwar Chohan, on Wednesday reviewed the preparations for re-polling scheduled for 15 February 2024 at 26 polling stations in NA-88 Khushab.
As per a spokesperson of the PEC Punjab office, the commissioner issued necessary instructions to the concerned District Returning Officer (DRO) and district police officer (DPO) about preparations for the re-polling. He instructed the DPO to ensure foolproof security arrangements at all the polling stations and returning officer’s office, emphasising that adequate police force should be deployed at all the polling stations to maintain law and order.
He also directed the DRO to ensure proper transport arrangements for polling staff.
On February 8, the Election Commission had ordered re-polling at these polling stations on February 15 due to the loss caused to the polling material by the crowd at the returning officer’s office.

Ashrafi commends institutions for ensuring law, order during elections

By
Waseem Iqbal
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ISLAMABAD, Feb 14 (APP):Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Religious Affairs and Pakistani Diaspora in Middle East and Muslim Countries, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi on Wednesday commended the significant role of all institutions, including the Pakistan Army, security agencies, and police for their efforts in ensuring law and order, especially during the recent general elections held on February 8, across the country.
Addressing a joint press conference along with other prominent religious scholars and leaders, he acknowledged that despite attempts by adversaries to disrupt the peaceful conduct of elections, their efforts had been thwarted, leading to the successful completion of the electoral process.
Ashrafi who is also the chairman of Pakistan Ulema Council said in light of the current political and religious landscape, there was a pressing call for unity among Pakistan’s political and religious factions to strengthen the nation.
Acknowledging election results, he emphasized on utilizing legal channels such as the Election Commission of Pakistan and courts to address grievances and ensure fairness.
Ashrafi called on major political parties to unite and foster an environment conducive to reconciliation and dialogue.
Emphasising the importance of maintaining peace and stability within the country, he announced that a high-level delegation from the Pakistan Ulema Council would engage with all major political parties to foster understanding and cooperation.
Ashrafi also urged the leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, to prioritize national stability and engage in dialogue for the betterment of the country. He reiterated that negotiations were key to resolving all issues encouraging political parties to engage in constructive dialogue. “A strong government with a robust opposition is deemed essential for Pakistan’s progress and prosperity,” he added.
He opined that there was a pressing need for political parties to forge a national pact for the betterment and stability of Pakistan. He urged all parties to set aside personal interests and prioritize the nation’s well-being. He, raising concerns regarding external commentary on Pakistan’s elections, emphasized on the importance of respecting national sovereignty and democratic processes.
Ashrafi said Pakistan Ulema Council would observe a day of condemnation against Israeli aggression on Friday, along with a call to boycott both Israeli and Indian products to express solidarity with Palestinian people in the Muslim world.
Additionally, he disclosed plans for a 10-day nationwide activism campaign from February 18 to 28, commemorating the organization’s ‘Foundation Day’.

PU Institute of Business Administration organises job fair

By
Waseem Iqbal
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0
LAHORE, Feb 14 (APP):The Punjab University (PU) Institute of Business Administration (IBA) organised the ‘Job Fair-24’ to provide better career opportunities to students of the institution, here on Wednesday.
The opening ceremony was held in the lawns of the IBA in which PU Vice chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood, Dean Faculty of Business, Economics and Administrative Sciences Prof Dr Mumtaz Anwar Chaudhry, Director IBA Prof Dr Muqqadas Rehman, faculty members and a large number of students were present, said a PU spokesperson.
The PU VC said the presence of international and well-known national companies in the job fair was commendable, adding that such activities give guidance to the students regarding future careers. He congratulated the IBA director for organising the successful job fair.
Prof Mumtaz said it was a fruitful activity and it was a matter of pleasure that PU’s alumni were representing the companies at the stalls. Prof Dr Muqqadas Rehman said that 60 companies were participating in the job fair and there was a very good response. She said that if cooperation was promoted in educational institutions and industries in Pakistan, the country’s economy would move towards further improvement and the young generation would benefit.
Meanwhile, PU Faculty of Computing & Information Technology (FCIT) will organise Job Fair on Thursday (today) from 9am to 4pm at New Campus, backside of SUPARCO building, Lahore.
Moreover, PU Institute of English Studies, in collaboration with Department of English, Forman Christian College & University (FCCU), will organise ‘Digital Humanities Graduate Poster Exhibition’ on Thursday (today) from 10am to 4pm on its premises.

LESCO recovers over Rs 2.34b from 79,367 defaulters in 150 days

By
Waseem Iqbal
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0
LAHORE, Feb 14 (APP):Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) in collaboration with Tehsildars (Recovery) has recovered more than Rs 2.34 billion from 79,367 dead defaulters in all the five districts – Lahore, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Kasur and Okara – during 150 days of its recovery campaign.
LESCO spokesman told media here Wednesday that during the 150 days, Chief Engineer O&M (T&G) Zafar Iqbal with the support of Tehsildar City Mujahid Zia and Tehsildar Shalimar Noreez Humayun recovered outstanding dues of Rs 328.61 million from 11,220 defaulters in Northern Circle and Rs 556.32 million from 10,311 defaulters in Eastern Circle respectively. Similarly, LESCO Manager (Material Disposal) Engineer Anwar Watto along with Tehsildar Model Town Rana Arsal and Tehsildar Cant. Sajjad Qureshi recovered Rs 314.35 million from 9,009 defaulters in Central Circle and Rs 129.13 million from 4,625 defaulters in South Circle, while Manager (Technical) Engineer Muhammad Farooq with the assistance of Tehsildar Nankana Sahib Muhammad Iqbal Rasheed and Tehsildar Sheikhupura Muhammad Aslam Gujjar recovered Rs 203.76 million from 7,133 defaulters in Nankana Circle and Rs 354.45 million from 9,836 defaulters in Sheikhupura Circle. He added that LESCO Manager E&S (PMU) Engineer Abbas Ali in collaboration with Naib Tehsildar Kasur and Okara Mirza Zahid Baig recovered outstanding dues of Rs 140.06 million from 12,513 defaulters in Okara Circle and Rs 316.77 million from 14,720 defaulters in Kasur Circle.
On the 150th day of the recovery campaign, the LESCO with the help of Tehsildars (Recovery) have recovered more than Rs 10 million from 535 dead defaulters in its all circles of operation. He elaborated that LESCO recovered outstanding dues of Rs 0.92 million from 55 defaulters in Northern Circle; Rs 2.24 million from 61 defaulters in Eastern Circle; Rs 1.26 million from 45 defaulters in Central Circle; Rs 0.85 million from 35 defaulters in South Circle; Rs 0.77 million from 52 defaulters in Nankana Circle; Rs 1.43 million from 58 defaulters in Sheikhupura Circle; Rs 0.89 million from 88 defaulters in Okara Circle and Rs 2.09 million from 141 defaulters in Kasur Circle.
For the recovery campaign started on September 13, the Lahore Division’s Commissioner had assigned additional charge of Tehsildars Recovery (from LESCO defaulters) to relevant Tehsildars, while LESCO Chief Executive Officer Engineer Shahid Haider has also designated four senior officers to assist them in the dues recovery from defaulters. LESCO Chief Executive Officer Engineer Shahid Haider said that the company is facing loss due to dead defaulters, and vowed to continue action against them.

Senate Body on education seeks plan for teachers training, moral values

By
AHMD Raja
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0
ISLAMABAD, Feb 14 (APP):Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training Senator Irfan Siddiqui on Wednesday instructed the education ministry to devise plans for teacher training encompassing dress code, moral values, and teaching acumen.
The session of the Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training took place at Parliament House, presided over by Senator Irfan Siddiqui.
Before delving into the agenda, the chair conveyed to committee members that this marks the final meeting of the standing committee before its dissolution.
Expressing gratitude, the chair acknowledged the unwavering support of both committee members and officials from the education ministry and HEC over the past three years.
Committee members commended the chair for ensuring the smooth functioning of the standing committee proceedings.
The committee addressed the agenda item related to a starred question posed by Senator Bahramand Khan Tangi during the Senate Session on 5th January 2024.
The question inquired about government-established institutes for teacher training.
The Caretaker Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training informed the committee about two such institutions in Islamabad.
Senator Tangi urged international training for teachers to expose them to modern educational practices.
A point of public importance concerning the absence of a service structure for university teachers was discussed. The HEC Chairman reported on the special committee’s progress, and the chair directed the HEC to submit an interim report by Friday.
The committee also discussed a starred question from Senator Mushtaq Ahmed regarding the number of students studying “A” and “O” levels under the Cambridge system in Pakistan.
Senator  Mushtaq Ahmed expressed concerns about the lack of information, citing a message received from the UK embassy in which the sought information was being termed as “Business Secret.
The chair emphasized the need for control and directed ministry officials to coordinate with the foreign ministry to obtain this vital information.
The committee meeting was attended by Senators Prof. Dr. Mehr Taj Roghani, Fawzia Arshad, Engr Rukhsana Zuberi, Mushtaq Ahmed Khan, Falak Naz, Naseebullah Bazai, and Bahramand Khan Tangi, along with the caretaker Ministry for Federal Education and Professional Training, Special Secretary Education, and Chairman HEC.

US Deputy Chief of Mission calls on Mayor Karachi

By
Waseem Iqbal
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0
KARACHI, Feb 14 (APP):US Deputy Chief of Mission Andrew Schofer called on Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab on Wednesday in his office and discussed with him matters of mutual interest including the process of development and progress in Karachi and other issues.
US Consul General in Karachi Conrad Tribble, Political Officer Weldon Montgomery and Political Specialist Saleh Shah were also in the delegation. In contrast, Mayor Karachi’s spokesperson for Political Affairs Karamullah Waqasi, Deputy Parliamentary Leader in the city council Dil Muhammad, Juman Darwan and Muhammad Hanif Chattani were also present on the occasion.
Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab informed the delegation about the recent general elections in the country.
He said that the Pakistan People’s Party has won in six divisions of Sindh, out of the 25 towns of Karachi. The elected chairman of the People’s Party in 13 towns are performing their duties whereas Jamaat-e-Islami have their chairmen in nine towns of Karachi, he said.
He said that the biggest challenge of Karachi is water and sewage problems, transport, infrastructure, public space, construction of parks are also big challenges for Karachi.
He said that Karachi is the business center of Pakistan and Karachi needs to be improved to promote the economic and commercial activities of the country.
He said that specific information technology zones can be created in Karachi and for this sufficient space is available, therefore international companies can invest heavily in the I.T sector in Karachi.
The Mayor of Karachi said that in the old city area of Karachi, the drainage system has become very old and cannot be expanded due to the dense population. Due to heavy rains, rainwater starts accumulating on the roads in Karachi, for which the city government has to take emergency measures to remove it as soon as possible, he said.
He said that due to a better and more comprehensive strategy, the situation in Karachi is now under control during monsoon rains and the flow of stormwater drains is normal.
He said the first solar park was constructed at Kidney Hill in the city. 100 kilowatts of electricity will be available from the solar park. The plan to install a chairlift between Kidney Hill and Hill Park is pending, he said.
More than 150,000 trees have been planted in Kidney Hill and it has become the best urban forest for Karachi, he said.

NEPRA concludes hearing on XW discos petition for quarterly adjustment

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Feb 14 (APP): National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) concluded a hearing on account of Quarterly Tariff Adjustment (QTA) for the period October 2023 to December 2023, the second quarter of FY24.

The request was filed by XWDISCOS and includes various charges concerning system operations.

As per government guidelines, the final decision issued by the regulator and notified by the GOP, will apply to all customers of distribution companies including KE, said a press release issued here.

The final notification will state the amount to be charged in customer bills, and the period over which these charges will apply.

As the power sector operates in a regulated environment, costs of electricity and such charges are determined by NEPRA and notified by Government of Pakistan.

Individual Distribution Companies cannot influence the process or make unilateral changes.

LESCO detects 53,285 power pilferers in 155 days

By
AHMD Raja
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0
LAHORE, Feb 14 (APP):The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) detected a total of 53,285 connections from where power consumers were pilfering electricity in all its circles of five districts: Lahore, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Kasur and Okara on the 155th day of grand anti-power theft campaign.
A LESCO spokesman told the media on Wednesday that the company also submitted FIR applications against electricity thieves, out of which 49,092 FIRs have been registered in respective police stations, while 17,554 accused have been arrested. The LESCO has so far charged a total of 73,081,608 detection units worth Rs 2,809,135,779 to all the power pilferers.
Grand anti-power theft operations against electricity thieves are being conducted on the directives of the Federal Power Division and the LESCO Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Engineer Shahid Haider is supervising these operations. The LESCO chief vowed that the operations would continue without discrimination until the complete end of electricity theft. The electricity pilferers as well as the LESCO officers and employees who facilitate them are also being brought to justice.
The spokesman added, the LESCO found 423 customers stealing electricity through various means and 182 cases have been registered against the accused during the last 24 hours.
On the 155th consecutive day of the anti-power theft campaign, he mentioned that large commercial consumers were found involved in electricity theft and all of them were also disconnected and charged with detection units. Among the seized connections 18 were commercial, 02 agricultural and 403 domestic, and all these connections were disconnected and charged with a total of 764,648 units as detection bill amounting to Rs 12.577 million.
Apprising the media about some major power pilferers, he explained that LESCO charged Rs 3.5 million detection  bill to an electricity pilferer in Baghbanpura area of Lahore; Rs 200,000 detection bills to another power pilferer in Factory Area, Rs 140,000 fine in the form of detection bills to customer stealing electricity in Shahdara Town; and Rs 130,000 detection bill to a power thieve in Shad Bagh area.
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