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Most districts of KP hit by heavy fog

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fog

PESHAWAR, Jan 04 (APP):Most districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) including Peshawar, are hit by heavy fog all around with people facing difficulties especially those reporting to their respective offices by 8.00 a.m. as the visibility is recorded zero.

“In the city of Peshawar, early morning fog reigns, visibility is low and due to fog in Peshawar, citizens are advised to use fog glasses. It has also confirmed that the M1 Motorway from Peshawar to Rishkai and Burhan Interchange is closed due to heavy fog,” Motorway officials said.

“The Swat Express Motorway has been temporarily closed due to fog,” Motorway officials confirmed.

“Weather in Peshawar has become colder due to fog,” Meteorological Department officials said here Thursday.

“He said the minimum temperature of Peshawar city is 5 degrees Celsius while the maximum temperature is 13 degrees Celsius. The humidity level in the city of Peshawar is a record 81 percent,” Meteorological Department officials said.

 

Election Tribunal issues notices to 171 ROs; hearing against nomination papers to continue till Jan 10

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ECP

PESHAWAR, Jan 04 (APP): The Election Appellate Tribunal judge Justice Shakil Ahmed has started hearing appeals against the rejection or acceptance of nomination papers for the National and provincial assemblies elections and issued notices to 171 Returning Officers (ROs).

The Tribunal Judge would conduct a hearing on the appeals of Atif Khan, Shahram Tarakai, Mujahid Ali, former Deputy Speaker Mehmood Jan, Iftikhar Mashwani, Amir Farzand, Abdul Salam, Mian Umar, Khurram Zeeshan, Aftab Alam and others on January 5.

On January 6, a hearing will be held on the appeals of former Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser, Taimur Salem Jhagra, Arbab Sher Ali, Tufail Anjum, Shehram Khan Tarakai, Sajid Nawaz and others.

Similarly, 40 appeals including Ali Muhammad Khan, Shandana Gulzar, Sher Afzal Marwat, Laila Zaman, Buland Iqbal and others were fixed for January 07.

The tribunal fixed the appeals of former federal minister Shehryar Afridi, Zahir Ali Shah and others for hearing on January 08 while the appeals of Qasim Ali Shah, Mohammad Behramand, Javed Shah and Mohammad Ghani would be heard on January 09. The tribunal would decide all the appeals till January 10.

Dense fog grips most parts of KP; PDMA issues alerts to distt govts

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PESHAWAR, Jan 04 (APP):The dense foggy condition, coupled with a cold wave, prevailed in most parts of the province on Thursday and is likely to continue in the coming days.

According to the Meteorological Department, moderate to dense foggy conditions would prevail in Peshawar, Charsadda, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, Hari Pur, Kohat, Karak, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, DI Khan, and Tank, as well as over Motorway M-1 and highways.

Similarly, cold conditions would persist over mountainous areas including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Malakand, Shangal, Buner, Abbottabad, Battagram, Kohistan, Mansehra, Torghar, Hangu, and other areas.

The Met Office warned that due to the foggy conditions, the mercury would drop from 3 to 5 °C while it could disrupt flight, railway, highway, and motorway operations, besides causing health issues, adding that the temperature would significantly drop after the wet spell.

In the wake of the Met Office prediction, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an alert to all the district governments to adopt precautionary measures to avoid any untoward incidents.

The district administrations were asked to keep the travelers updated about the weather conditions and ensure the availability of all emergency services, staff, and machinery to cope with any emergency.

The NH&MP and traffic police were directed to issue smog and fog advisories, maintain traffic control during peak hours, and redirect traffic in affected areas to prevent congestion.

PDMA advised farmers to take necessary precautionary measures to safeguard adverse effects on crops due to a drop in temperatures.

The general public was advised to keep their movements restricted and use face masks while going outside.

DRO navigating election etiquettes, Candidates, officials gear Up for 2024 polls

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elections

ISLAMABAD, Jan 04 (APP): In a crucial step towards ensuring fair play in the upcoming 2024 General Election, the District Returning Officer (DRO) and District Monitoring Officer (DMO) spearheaded a pivotal meeting to launch a awareness campaign and briefing for candidates regarding election code of conduct.

The gathering, which included Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), served as a platform to instill a clear understanding of the Code of Conduct among all stakeholders, ICT spokesman Dr Abdullah Tabasum said while talking to APP on Thursday.

He said that with the spotlight on transparency and accountability, the meeting boasted the presence of all three candidates vying for a seat in the National Assembly (NA).

The candidates were meticulously briefed on the intricacies of the election code of conduct, setting the tone for a fair and ethical electoral process.

The heart of the discussion revolved around the campaign dynamics, where candidates received invaluable insights to navigate the nuanced landscape of political canvassing.

Emphasizing the need for adherence to guidelines, the meeting shed light on the responsibilities entrusted upon the DRO, DMO, and the candidates themselves, he added.

One standout directive issued was the requirement for candidates to secure prior permission from the DRO office before organizing rallies.

This strategic move aimed to streamline the process, ensuring that public gatherings align with the guidelines set forth for a seamless and controlled electoral environment.

He said that furthermore, candidates were cautioned against making announcements related to campaign development projects during briefings. This precautionary measure aimed to foster an environment where the focus remained on conveying policies and engaging with voters, rather than diverting attention towards potential project promises.

As the election fervor gains momentum, the significance of these guidelines cannot be overstated. The meeting served as a crucial milestone, equipping candidates with the knowledge necessary to conduct a campaign that not only resonated with the electorate but also adhered to the highest standards of ethical conduct.

In the pursuit of a democratic process that stands the test of scrutiny, the meeting underscored the shared responsibility of all participants by instilling a sense of accountability and transparency, the 2024 General Election is poised to be a testament to the integrity of the democratic values.

CDNS secures Rs 50 bln in Islamic finance bonds

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CNDS

ISLAMABAD, Jan 4 (APP): The Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS) has secured Rs 50 billion in Islamic finance bonds at the end of the second quarter of the current fiscal year 2023–24.

“The National Savings has issued Islamic bonds for the promotion of the Islamic finance system, which will help the development of the Islamic economy in the country,” a senior official of the Directorate of National Savings told APP here on Thursday.

Replying to another query, he said the CDNS had collected an investment of Rs 16 billion in July 2023–24 through Islamic investment bonds.

He added that the directorate had set a target of Rs 75 billion for the new financial year 2023–24 for Islamic finance bonds.

Replying to another question, he said the CDNS aimed to introduce new dimensions in the Islamic finance sector.

He informed that CDNS had achieved the set target of Rs 60 billion in the fiscal year (2022–23) for Islamic investment to introduce the new products to the market.

“Islamic finance has a very important role in the global financial sector at this time, and a large part of the economy of many major countries currently includes Islamic finance,” he added.

The senior official of CDNS said that work was being done on institutional reforms in CDNS and that new reforms and innovations were being introduced.

“Islamic finance has a very important role in the global financial sector at this time, and a large part of the economy of many major countries currently includes Islamic finance,” he added.

Given the current market trend in the country, an ambitious target has been set to further improve the savings culture, he said.

Replying to a question, he said CDNS had achieved a target of Rs 950 billion in fresh bonds in the current fiscal year, from July 1 to December 31.

The CDNS surpassed the annual target and achieved the target of Rs 1.6 trillion in fresh bonds in the current fiscal year.

He said this was an additional Rs 200 billion annual target compared to the target of Rs 1300 billion for the previous financial year 2021–22.

“The CDNS has set a reviewed saving target of Rs 1.4 trillion for the current financial year (2021–22), which will promote savings culture in the country,” he said.

Commissioner urges responsible practices in axle load management for large vehicles

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ABBOTTABAD, Jan 04 (APP): Commissioner of Hazara Division Syed Zaheer-ul-Islam Thursday chairing a meeting directed the owners and drivers of large vehicles to avoid overloading.

The meeting, focused on axle load management, brought together various relevant officials and stakeholders to address concerns related to road safety and infrastructure sustainability.

The commissioner underscored the importance of adherence to specified axle load limits by owners and drivers associated with large vehicles. He emphasized that compliance not only contributed to the sustainability of highways and roads but also enhanced the overall performance and safety of vehicles on the roads.

In his statement, Zaher-ul-Islam announced the initiative of a systematic campaign targeting owners and drivers of large vehicles.

He said stern legal actions would be taken promptly against those found violating the load regulations.

FUUAST organizes awareness seminar on drugs & crimes

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 04 (APP):Federal Urdu University of Science and Technology (FUUAST) has organized a seminar for creating awareness among students about various kind of drugs and crimes, suggesting steps for their prevention and elimination from the society.

The seminar was organized here by the International Relations Department of Federal Urdu University and Islamabad Police.

Mr. Muhammad Shoaib Khurram, DIG Safe City and Traffic Police Islamabad along with his team attended the event as chief guest.

Dr. Ehtishamul Haq, In-charge Islamabad Campus, Mohammad Aleem Raza Additional Registrar and Dr. Uzma Siraj, President, Department of International Relations welcomed the distinguished guests.

The function was organized in the university auditorium in which a large number of students participated.

DIG Muhammad Shoaib Khurram, told the students that IG Islamabad has issued special instructions that the Capital Police in various educational institutions should inform the students about social crimes and drugs and their prevention.

He further said that awareness will also be given to students about the actions of Islamabad Police.

During his address, the chief guest gave many important information including various types of crimes, police strategy to prevent crimes with the help of modern technology, use of safe city cameras, and data of previous years.

Various questions were also asked by the students about the role and performance of Islamabad Police in the current situation, which were answered in detail by Mr. Muhammad Shoaib Khurram, DIG.

At the end of the ceremony, Dr. Uzma Siraj, President of the Department of International Relations, thanked the honorable guests and other participants for participating in the seminar, while the students also took group photos.

HEC alerts students to confirm accreditation before admission in professional degree program

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HEC

ISLAMABAD, Jan 04 (APP):The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has alerted the students to confirm accreditation of Professional Degree Programme before taking admission.

According to the official sources, the professional degree programmes/qualifications cannot be offered or continued without accreditation by the corresponding professional councils. Even so, some universities still offer admission to unaccredited and invalid programmes causing serious threat to the future of students and leading to loss of time and monetary resources, they added.

Therefore, students and their parents are advised to confirm, before taking admission, if the sought-after degree programmes are accredited by the concerned Professional Councils.

For all non-professional programmes, make sure that the admitting university/ sub-campus/ affiliated institution is recognized by the Higher Education Commission.

For convenience, HEC asked the students to visit the HEC web link: hec.gov.pk/site/HEIs.

As per accreditation matters, the students seeking admission are advised to confirm that the degree programmes they choose are accredited by respective Councils.

The HEC shared the contact number of the Professional Councils i. e Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC)051-9219500-9206974,

Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PM&DC) 051-9190000, Pakistan Veterinary Medical Council (PVMC) 051-9108340, Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC)051-9255813, Pakistan Council for Architects and Town Planners (PCATP) 051-2706668, Pakistan Pharmacy Council (PCP)051-9204191 Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) 051-9206805, National Council for HomoeopathicH) 051-5409003 National Council for Tibb (NCT) 051-9204378, Allied Health Professional Council (AHPC)051-9216775, National Agriculture Education Accreditation Council (NAEAC) 051-90802681, National Business Education Accreditation Council (NBEAC)051-90800206-7, National Computing Education Accreditation Council (NCEAC) 051-90802771-2, National Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (NACTE) 051-90808155-6, and
National Technology Council (NTC) 051-90802786.

 

Islamabad police introduce virtual driving license for citizens

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Islamabad police

ISLAMABAD, Jan 4 (APP): Islamabad Capital Police have rolled out a virtual driving license to enhance citizen convenience and facilitate them at their door step.

Individuals possessing driving licenses in Islamabad can now easily obtain their virtual licenses by visiting the official website and entering their National Identity Card number, driving license number, and expiration date. Police spokesperson said that this initiative is designed to empower residents to download and renew their driving licenses from the comfort of their homes.

The implementation of virtual driving licenses is a significant step towards simplifying the licensing process and promoting ease of access for the community. CPO Safe City/Traffic emphasizes that this initiative aims to provide valuable services to the residents of the federal capital. Special police teams are actively engaged in educating the public about traffic laws and road safety at various checkpoints and roads.

In addition to the online platform, Islamabad Capital Police is also giving awareness about road safety and traffic laws through radio FM 92.4. This proactive approach keeps the public well-informed about the latest traffic situations in the federal capital.

LAC takes practical measures for KP state improvement project

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ABBOTTABAD, Jan 04 (APP):Deputy Commissioner (DC) Khalid Iqbal chaired a meeting of the Land Acquisition Committee (LAC) for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa State Improvement Project (KPSIP) at his office on Thursday and addressed essential land acquisition matters associated with the Municipal Services provision under the broader City Improvement Project.

Decisions were discussed during the relevant meeting for the allocation of land and the implementation of various schemes under the ambit of the project.

Practical directives were also being issued to tackle emerging issues effectively.

It was assured in the meeting that the efficient acquisition of land for the project’s initiatives and resolving potential challenges that may arise during the process.

The LAC reiterated its commitment to expediting the acquisition of necessary land, thereby facilitating the timely execution of the transformative Khyber Pakhtunkhwa State Improvement Project.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of WSSCA Engineer Rehan Yousaf, Additional Assistant Commissioner (AAC) of Revenue Syed Muhammad Asif Iqbal, Assistant Commissioner (AC) of Abbottabad Arshad Mahmood, Land Acquisition Officer, and representatives from the Finance Department were in attendance.