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PIMS ED takes notice of allegations about FCPS seats selection

By
NNPS Desk
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PIMS

ISLAMABAD, Jan 2 (APP): Executive Director of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) Professor Dr Imran Sikander has constituted an inquiry committee after taking notice of the allegations of irregularities in the selection of FCPS seats.

According to Dr Mubasher Daha, spokesperson to the PIMS ED, the committee will submit its report within three days after the investigation.

Dr. Mubasher Daha said that the PIMS administration believed in transparency and merit, and the inquiry committee formed on the request in that regard would investigate the matter transparently.

The findings of the three-member committee headed by Prof Dr Mazhar Badshah with Professor Dr Altaf Hussain and Professor Dr Arif Khan as its members, would be made public and action would be taken against those found responsible, he added.

The spokesperson said that PIMS Dean Professor Dr Rizwan Taj had not interfered in the matter of selection, as full powers had been given to the selection committee and head of department.

There was no intervention of the hospital administration in the matter of selection of post-graduate seats, he reiterated.

He said that a transparent procedure had been devised in that regard, according to which the graduate had a degree from public, private or abroad and marks were given accordingly.

Apart from that, marks obtained in research and MBBS or academic record were also taken into consideration for selection, he added.

The spokesperson said that the head of the department of the respective faculty was included in the committee for the selection of graduates.

He said that the final decision regarding the selection was made on merit and added that the reports of irregularities regarding the hospital administration were baseless. “The hospital administration will fulfill its obligations regarding the implementation of transparency.”

PPP against postponement of elections: Nisar Khuhro

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NNPS Desk
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Nisar Khuhro

KARACHI, Jan 02 (APP): Provincial President Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Sindh chapter, Senator Nisar Khuhro Tuesday said that the PPP wanted general elections in the country and would not support any move aimed at postponing polls beyond announced date of February 8 in any case.

He was addressing a press conference along with General Secretary PPP Sindh Senator Waqar Mehdi and President Karachi division Saeed Ghani at Bilawal House.

On the occasion, Vice President Muslim League-N Sindh advocate Sheikh Javed Mir also announced joining PPP.

Nisar Khuhro said that the narrative of postponing general election beyond the scheduled date would tantamount to “Delaying democracy and denying democracy”.

“According to the constitution, term of the caretaker government was only three months, so we demand conduct of free, fair and transparent elections on February 8, 2024 so that power could be transferred to elected representatives of the people,” he reiterated.

The people should be given an opportunity to elect their representatives having affiliation with any political party and their mandate must be accepted and respected, Khuhro maintained.

Armed forces of Pakistan are capable of dealing with the menace of terrorists under the National Action Plan and the same was done in the past, he said accusing that, Imran Khan later came into power and fueled terrorist sentiments in the society.

He said that the PPP Parliamentary Board has finalized recommendations for issuing party tickets to the final candidates in all constituencies for the general elections and announcement in this regard would be made in coming days after approval of the party leadership.

Khuhro said that the 10-point manifesto given by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari would be fully implemented by the PPP after forming the federal government.

Competitors of PPP were afraid of their defeat and they were resorting to forming alliances but PPP already fought such alliances in the past and it was ready to face them now as well, he said adding that People’s Party’s was in alliance with the people, so it would not become part of any alliance and would contest the elections from its own platform.

On this occasion, Vice President of Muslim League-N Sindh and an advocate of Supreme Court of Pakistan Sheikh Javed Mir announced joining of People’s Party.

Nisar Khuhro welcomed Sheikh Javed Mir on joining the PPP.

Exercise BARRACUDA-XII commences at Karachi

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NNPS Desk
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BARRACUDA-XII

KARACHI, Jan 02 (APP): International Exercise BARRACUDA-XII formally commences here at Headquarters Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA), on Tuesday.

The event started with an impressive flag hoisting ceremony followed by wreath laying on Shuhada (martyrs) monument, a Pakistan Navy news release said.

The ceremony was attended by observers from 13 friendly countries and officers of Pakistan Navy and PMSA. Exercise BARRACUDA-XII is scheduled from January 02-04 and comprising Harbour and Sea phases.

The opening brief of the exercise was held at Karachi. Federal Minister for Climate Change Ahmed Irfan Aslam graced the occasion as Chief Guest.

Foreign Observers and delegations from relevant stakeholders also attended the brief wherein the aims and objectives of exercise BARRACUDA-XII were highlighted. Moreover, scholarly papers on the response of Oil Spill and Search and Rescue at sea were presented by both National and International speakers.

During his address, Chief Guest thanked all foreign delegates for their participation in the event. He further added that the exercise will continue to crystallise our preparedness for maritime disasters management. Pakistan has always been and will continue to be an ardent advocate of safe & secure seas for the well-being of the region and the world.

Earlier during his welcome address, DG PMSA Rear Admiral Imtiaz Ali apprised the audience about the Government of Pakistan’s endeavour to curb pollution at sea and reiterated the resolve of PMSA to fight Marine pollution. He further highlighted the role of PMSA in implementing the laws in national seas. He thanked the foreign participants and national maritime stakeholders for their support.

DG PMSA Rear Admiral Imtiaz Ali also called on the foreign observers and discussed matters of mutual interest.

Exercise BARRACUDA is a marine pollution response exercise conducted biennially by PMSA since 2007. Focused on refining response mechanisms and enhancing coordination among stakeholders. The exercise serves as a critical platform to prepare for and address potential oil spills and other marine pollution incidents.

BARRACUDA-XII will unfold as an immersive experience in the North Arabian Sea providing a platform for participating countries to engage in scenario-based simulations and comprehensive drills starting from 2 Jan 24. The 3-day exercise which includes the harbour and sea phase will facilitate knowledge exchange, enhance interoperability and solidify coordination among diverse maritime entities, thereby fortifying our global resilience against marine pollution incidents. As the world grapples with the imperative need to protect our oceans, BARRACUDA-XII stands as a testament to the power of international cooperation in combating marine pollution.

Caretaker CM launches ‘Programme for Training & Employment

By
NNPS Desk
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Caretaker CM

PESHAWAR, Jan 02 (APP): As an important component of Khushhal Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Programme, the Caretaker Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Justice (R) Syed Arshad Hussain Shah here on Tuesday formally launched the “Programme for Training and Employment” under which targeted youth would be imparted with market-based training and skills in the various potential fields.

Under the first phase, more than 1,00,000 youth across the province, would be trained and placed in the targeted local and international markets; crash courses in IT, nursing, paramedics and other sectors would be arranged and for this purpose, a number of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) have also been signed between the various provincial departments and relevant institutions.

A ceremony to this effect was held here at Chief Minister’s House on Tuesday with the caretaker Chief Minister as the chief guest.

Besides provincial cabinet members, the Chairman Higher Education Commission, administrative secretaries of the concerned departments, representatives from the partner organizations/institutions, senior journalists and a large number of students attended the ceremony.

On this occasion, as many as seven MoUs were signed among various departments of the provincial government and relevant institutions. According to the details, Institute of Management Sciences Peshawar signed two different Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the department of youth Affairs and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa IT Board.

Similarly, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) signed two MoUs, one with Higher Education department and other with the Accelerated Skills Development Programme.

An MoU was also signed between KP IT Board and Small Industries Development Board (SIDB). Apart from this, Comsats and Pak-Austria Fachhochschule Institute of Applied Sciences have also signed MoUs with Directorate of Youth Affairs and KP IT Board respectively.

Addressing the ceremony, the chief minister said that unemployment had been a long-standing problem in this country and it was always painful to see our youth unemployed and jobless.

He added that after taking responsibilities as the caretaker chief minister, he had decided to do something better for the youth of this province and the newly launched Training and Employment Programme is the practical demonstration of that vision.

“Although the caretaker government’s mandate and tenure is limited and our first responsibility is to extend support to the Election Commission for holding general elections in a peaceful and transparent manner”, he said and added that the caretaker provincial government would take all possible measures to this effect.

However, the chief minister said that his government was also trying its best to do something better for the well being of the people.

“Our Human Resource Export Strategy will have great impacts on the life of the general public, especially the youth. It will also provide a solid base and ground to the upcoming elected government for providing job opportunities to the youth”.

He made it clear that ultimate target of training and employment programme was to send at least 5,00,000 youth abroad for employment by imparting them market-based skills and training and under the first phase of this program, more than 1,00,000 youth would be trained and sent to the targeted local and international markets.

On this occasion, he paid rich tribute to the Task Force and other stakeholders for successfully launching this program and hoped that they would continue to work hard to make this initiative a success story in all respects.

Caretaker provincial ministers, Dr Najeeb Ullah, Dr Amir Abdullah and Chairman Higher Education Commission Dr Mukhtar Ahmed also addressed the ceremony.

Dr. Saif holds meetings with UAE Ambassador, UK High Commissioner

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NNPS Desk
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Dr. Saif

ISLAMABAD, Jan 02 (APP): Caretaker Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Dr Umar Saif on Tuesday held separate meetings with UAE Ambassador to Pakistan, Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Al-Zaabi, and UK High Commissioner to Pakistan, Ms. Jane Marriott.

Dr. Saif holds meetings with UAE Ambassador, UK High Commissioner

During the meeting with the UAE ambassador, both sides discussed matters of mutual interest, particularly those related to the IT and telecom sectors, said a news release.

Dr. Umar Saif emphasized the significance of Pakistan’s ties with the UAE, expressing the government’s desire to strengthen these ties, especially in the IT sector.

He highlighted the ongoing efforts to boost IT exports, considering the UAE as an attractive market for Pakistani IT companies.

Additionally, he mentioned plans to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UAE government for a Digital Government Experience Exchange Program.

In a separate meeting with the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Ms. Jane Marriott, Dr. Umar Saif acknowledged the longstanding support of the UK government in governance reform within Pakistan, particularly in the health, education, and public finance sectors.

He underscored the immense potential of Pakistan’s IT industry to expand its business in the UK, emphasizing the need for startups to attract larger investments from UK-based venture capitalists.

No liability for Akhuwat Foundation over dishonest transaction by fraudsters : Spokesman

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
Akhuwat Foundation
ISLAMABAD, Jan 2 (APP): The Akhuwat Foundation on Tuesday warned the general public to be vigilant of fraudulent activities, by some crony
elements, misusing its name and said it would not be accountable for any dishonest transaction.
The Foundation spokesman, in a statement, clarified that the Akhuwat Islamic Microfinance was operating as an interest-free entity, which offered loans to poor people and managed its repayments in installments through its branch network.
 He noted that some individuals were misusing the institution’s name and educational services for fraudulent activities.
“The Akhuwat Foundation explicitly states that it will not take responsibility for any fraudulent or deceptive transactions carried out by these individuals,” the spokesman added.
He pointed out that students, seeking admission to educational institutions within the Akhuwat network, were not paying any fees or charges. Additionally, the network did not offer scholarships, compensation or any similar benefits for students to pursue studies in other educational institutions, he added.
 The spokesperson reported that some individuals with malicious intent and fraudulent entities were exploiting and misusing the name of Akhuwat Educational Services, falsely claiming to offer scholarships to students for test fees.
 The misinformation in that regard was disseminated through fake social media accounts and various platforms, including websites, he said, adding it was important to note that the Akhuwat Foundation disclaimed any responsibility for dealings with such deceptive entities or individuals.
He urged the people to stay vigilant and be cautious of such fraudulent activities.

Ali Muazzam chairs SEZ committee meeting

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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Ali Muazzam
LAHORE, Jan 2 (APP): Punjab Industrial Estates Development and Management Company (PIEDMC) Chief Executive Officer Ali Muazzam Syed chaired a meeting of Punjab Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Committee here on Tuesday.
The meeting approved the regularization and granted special zone enterprise status to the cases that were held due to legal complications.
The meeting also approved to regularize 30 void cases of the companies that acquired industrial plots in Quaid-e-Azam Business Park, Vehari Industrial Zone, Bhalwal Industrial Zone, and Rahim Yar Khan Industrial Zone.
These cases were held due to legal complications and now have been regularized and granted special zone enterprise status after scrutiny of all the documents and in light of the directives of the federal and provincial governments.
By granting the status of special zone enterprises to these companies, Ali Muazzam said, a total of more than Rs 04 billion will be invested and thousands of new jobs will be provided. The Federal Government had passed special directions to clear all such cases on a priority basis.
Chairman of the Special Economic Zone Committee Ali Muazzam Syed said that all resources are being utilized to provide facilities through one-window services to the investors in Punjab, to bring economic improvement and employment generation in the province through industrial development.
Secretary Committee Amna Faisal Shah, DG PBIT Dr. Sohail Saleem, Manager SEZ BOI Col (R) Shakeel, and concerned officers of district administrations were also present.

Voters reaching polling stations to face difficulty in poor law, order

By
NNPS Desk
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aftab ahmad

PESHAWAR, Jan 02 (APP): Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) Chairman Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao on Tuesday said that the voters would face difficulty in reaching the polling stations in the prevailing poor law and order.

Addressing a gathering in Tangi tehsil in Charsadda, he said that the candidates would also face problems with running their election campaign.

On this occasion PTI Nazim Muhammad Nisar Khan, along with his family members and supporters, announced joining the QWP.

The QWP Chairman said that the law and order was getting worse with each passing day. He said that the political forces would have to join hands and work hard to steer the country out of the prevailing circumstances.

He said that the country faced three major challenges in the year 2023 which included political instability, economic crisis and rising acts of terrorism.

He said that whichever political party came to power after the 2024 general election would have to work hard to address these challenges. He added that the ones demanding level-playing field should recall whether it was provided to the other political forces for the 2018 general election.

Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao said that experiments with the political system caused colossal loss to the economy therefore such practices should be stopped. He said the Imran Khan experiment caused economic stagnation, inflation and political instability. “What service was done to the country by bringing him to power?” he asked.

Aftab Sherpao said the voters must not listen to catchy slogans as these were meant to deceive them. He advised the voters to check the track record of the candidates before casting their ballots.

He said that nobody cared to raise voice for the rights of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa facing financial crunch. He said the cash-strapped province did not have funds to pay salaries to government employees.

He said that the provision of the treatment under the Sehat card was also suspended for want of funds. He said all uplift projects in KP were placed on the backburner.

Kashmiris to observe Right to Self Determination Day on January 5

By
NNPS Desk
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0

MIRPUR (AJK), Jan 02 (APP): Reminding United Nations for early implementation of its January 05, 1949 resolutions for settlement of Kashmir issue without further delay, the Jammu and Kashmir people living on both sides of the line of control will observe the Right of Self Determination Day on Friday, January 5 with renewed pledge to continue their struggle till the achievement of their legitimate right of self determination through implementation of the U.N resolutions, official sources said on Tuesday.

Besides special gatherings and processions, public rallies would be held in all nine district headquarters in Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK). Special meetings would highlight the importance of early grant of the right of self determination to Jammu Kashmir people which was being suppressed and denied by India since over last 76 years, the sources told.

Speakers in these meetings would reiterate Kashmiris just and principled stance before the world that they (Jammu Kashmir people) would continue their struggle for right of self determination till the achievement of the ultimate goal. They would particularly highlight the reality with the earnest demand about early grant of the birth right of self determination to Kashmiris without further delay and which was being denied by India since over last 76 years because of her traditional hostile and stubborn attitude.

The right of self determination day reiterates the long cherished demand of the Kashmiris that they should be granted their birth right to decide about their destiny under the spirit of the internationally-acknowledged U.N resolutions, passed by the Security Council of the world body this day of January 05, 1949.

“It would be once again declared by the Kashmiris before the world, through the special meetings at both sides of the line of control and rest of the world that the Kashmir problem should be resolved only in accordance with the United Nations resolutions – and no solution of the lingering global dispute sans the aspirations of the Kashmiris would be acceptable to them (Jammu Kashmir people)”, said National Events Organising Committee (NEOC) sources, the major organizer of the scheduled special meetings to be held on January 5 to observe the right of self determination day in Mirpur district.

In Mirpur a big Right of self determination day rally of the people of all walks of life will be held at District Court premises at 10.00 in the morning. The procession will be taken out which will later converged into the special ceremony at central Shaheed chowk in the city under the auspices of the District National Events Organizing Committee.

Speakers representing all sections of life including political, social, private and public sector employees, lawyers, journalists, teachers, students, business community and will highlight the importance of the day to remind UNO for early implementation of the its resolutions to pave the way for early peaceful settlement of the much-delayed Kashmir issue in line with the wishes of the people of Jammu & Kashmir.

LDA seals, demolishes multiple illegal constructions

By
Ali Ali
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0
LDA raids
LAHORE, Jan 2 (APP):In a major operation against illegal constructions/commercial activities, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) conducted raids and sealed several properties besides numerous unauthorized structures in the city on Tuesday.
The team led by Operation Chief Town Planner II Azhar Ali, conducted operation in Johar Town, PIA Society, Gul-e-Daman Society and Gulberg Society.
LDA teams dismantled illegal billboards in Gulberg Society. Plot numbers 300 and 301 in Block D of PIA Society were sealed due to unlawful land conversion.
In PIA Society’s D Block, plots 14, 23, 29, 31, 36, 37, and 45 faced enforcement action, while in Johar Town’s C Block, plots 1, 2, 10, 11, 14, 19, 20, 24, 25, 22, and 227 were sealed.
Additionally, plots 228, 229, 230, 233, 237, 239, 241, and 244 in Johar Town’s C Block, as well as plots 241, 501, 340, 339, 338, 337, 336, 335, 334, 329, and 328 in Johar Town’s D Block, underwent enforcement measures.
The seized/demolished properties had multiple notices been issued. A comprehensive operation against illegal constructions continues across the city under the supervision of Commissioner Lahore and LDA DG Muhammad Ali Randhawa.
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