ISLAMABAD: December 27 –
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar meets the resident Ambassadors of Muslim Countries of Middle East and North Africa region
ISLAMABAD: December 27 –
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar meets the resident Ambassadors of Muslim Countries of Middle East and North Africa region
ISLAMABAD: December 27 –
CDWP gives nod to six projects worth Rs 83.39 bln
ISLAMABAD, Dec 27 (APP): Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Mohammad Jehanzeb Khan on Wednesday presided over a meeting of the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) that approved four projects worth Rs 11.15 billion.
Besides, it recommended two development projects worth Rs 72.240 billion to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) for further consideration, a news release said.
Secretary Planning Awais Manzur Sumra, senior officials from the Planning Commission and Federal Ministries/Divisions, and Chairman/ACS (Dev) from provincial governments participated in the meeting.
Two projects namely “Upgradation of Transmission Network & Replacement of Optical Fiber Cable, AJK & Gilgit-Baltistan (revised) worth Rs1,999 million and “Prime Minister’s Initiatives Support for IT Startups, Specialized IT Trainings and Venture Capital (revised)” worth Rs 5,000 million were approved.
The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, presented a project “Establishment of Infectious Disease Laboratory” worth Rs 8,289.913 million which the forum recommended to ECNEC for approval.
The project envisages the establishment of a state-of-the-art Research and Development Laboratory to detect/analyze microorganisms.
Upon completion of the project after PC-I, the NIH will have a better capability for the detection of novel, exotic, emerging and re-emerging pathogens and their timely control as well as R&D facility which is an absolute necessity.
The CDWP also okayed two projects of the Ministry of Law & Justice namely “Construction of Litigants Facilitation center for Litigants and Lawyers in Sector G-10/1 Islamabad” with a cost of Rs 1,862 million and “Establishment of 93-No District Courts in Mauve Area G-11/4 Islamabad (revised)” worth Rs 2,232.736 million.
The CDWP recommended a project of the Sindh government namely “Competitive & Livable City of Karachi (CLICK) (revised)” worth Rs 6,3950.374 million to ECNEC for approval.
The project is proposed to be financed by World Bank’s loan of Rs 61116.815 million under Investment Project Financing(IPF) and Rs 2,833.559 million by the Sindh government.
Protection of life & people property first responsibility of govt: Balochistan CM
QUETTA, Dec 27 (APP):Balochistan Caretaker Chief Minister Mir Ali Mardan Khan Domki on Wednesday said that the protection of life and property of the people was the first responsibility of the government and all people should avoid such actions due to which the people have to face difficulties and sufferings.
He expressed these views while presiding over a high-level meeting on the overall law and order situation in the province.
The meeting was attended by Caretaker Minister of Home and Tribal Affairs Mir Zubair Khan Jamali, Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan, Additional Chief Secretary Home Zahid Saleem, DIG Quetta Abdul Hai Amir, DIG Special Branch Abdul Ghaffar Qaisrani and Principal Secretary Rashid Razak Khan.
while briefing the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary Home and Tribal Affairs Zahid Saleem highlighted the steps and strategies taken by the provincial government regarding the restoration of peace.
Addressing the meeting, Caretaker Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Ali Mardan Khan Domki said that improvement of the law-and-order situation and protection of life and property of the people would be ensured in every case, creating difficulties for people and taking the law into their own hands was inappropriate, it was important to avoid such actions which could not be allowed.
He said that the federal and provincial governments have set up separate committees to investigate the Balach Baloch incident, while the special committee of the federal government was also working seriously to talk to the protesters in Islamabad/
The committee has assured to implement the legitimate demands, the government wants to resolve all the issues amicably as per the prevailing laws, he said adding that our doors are open for meaningful discussions and negotiations.
Caretaker Chief Minister Balochistan directed that an effective strategy should be formulated for the restoration of peace throughout the province and all the available resources should be used to restore peace in all the districts of Balochistan.
SC rejects PTI ex-chairman’s request for for immediate hearing
ISLAMABAD, Dec 27 (APP):The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday rejected the request of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) founder chairman for immediate hearing of appeal against his conviction in the Toshakhana case.
Addressing the petitioner’s lawyer, Acting Chief Justice of Pakistan Sardar Tariq Masood said that hearing of the case was not possible during the current week as only two judges were available.
The matter matter should be heard by at least a three-member bench as the matter was decided by a division bench of the high court, he added.
Former PTI chairman’s counsel Sardar Latif Khan Khosa filed two cases pertaining to the disqualification of his client in the Toshakhana case and provision of a level playing field in general elections.
Jamal Shah visits Mai Qamro Mosque, Muqarab Khan Tomb
ISLAMABAD, Dec 27 (APP):Interim Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Syed Jamal Shah on Wednesday visited the historical Mai Qamro Mosque and Muqarab Khan Tomb located at a small village ‘Bagh Jogian’ in the vicinity of Islamabad.
During visit, the minister has ordered the Department of Archaeology and Museum to expedite the pace of work to restore the Mosque and Muqarab Khan Tomb in its original form besides enhancing its outlook, public relations officer Akhter Munir Khan said.
Director General Department of Archaeology and Museum (DOAM) Dr Abdul Azeem and other senior officials briefed the minister about the preservation and renovation work on the sites.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister said that historical heritage sites should be upgraded and revamped which not only give a new look to the capital city but also promote country old heritage.
The Mosque is believed to have been built by Mai Qamro, wife of Hathi Khan Ghakkar, a scion of the Ghakkar dynasty in which women occupied a prestigious and influential position. According to Architects, this Mosque was constructed in the early 16th century, a great specimen of Ghakkar architecture. The Mosque is built on a rectangular plan and crowned with three squat domes. The southern dome of the mosque has caved in but the two others are in fairly good condition.
It is noted for its three arched entrances.
The central entrance is flanked by two recessed arches which lend an amazing beauty to the façade of the structure.
Above the arched entrance, one finds a beautiful cut-brick ornamentation. Such embellishments cannot be found elsewhere in Potohar. Dressed stone has been used to construct the mosque. Formerly it was plastered, traces of which are still visible on the façade of the mosque.
He said that parts of the boundary wall of the mosque have survived the ravages of time. The northern boundary is still standing. The remains of the southern and eastern walls are also visible.
The Minister also visited the historical Muqarab Khan Tomb. Muqarab Khan was local chieftain of Gakhar tribe. The tomb is very beautiful and specific in its style and construction. The tomb is octagonal in plan. Portrico is flanked by two small pilasters.
QESCO to hold online open court on Dec 29
QUETTA, Dec 27 (APP):Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) is going to hold an online open court (Khuli Khechari) on Friday to resolve complaints related to the electricity of the customers in Quetta.
According to a press release issued here on Wednesday, in this regard, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) QESCO Engineer Shafqat Ali will hear the complaints of consumers regarding electricity on December 29, 2023 (Friday) from 10 AM to 12 PM.
Therefore, all customers should directly contact the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at telephone number 081, 9202565 to solve their problems.
The Chief Executive Officer will investigate the complaints of the customers in the presence of the Chief Engineer (Operation) and other concerned officers in the QESCO Online Open Court.
So, all customers of QESCO are informed to contact Tel No. 081,9202565 for registration of their complaints through online open court and their resolution.
Abdullah, Shan hit 50s as Pakistan trail by 124
ISLAMABAD, Dec 27 (APP):A commanding second-wicket partnership between Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood helped Pakistan gain ground on the second day at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Pakistan trail by 124 runs at the end of Day Two of the second match of the Benaud-Qadir Trophy after the bowling attack dismissed Australia for 318, according to information made available here by Pakistan Cricket Board.
Australia resumed from their overnight score of 187-3, with Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head on the crease. Shaheen Shah Afridi provided the first breakthrough of the day to cut the 50-run stand short as Head (17, 32b, 3x4s) edged the ball to second slip.
Aamir Jamal then struck to remove Australia’s top-scorer of the innings Labuschagne, who walked back after making a gritty 155-ball 63, including five boundaries.
Mitchell Marsh, who had replaced Head on the crease, was the other contributor with the bat. He scored 41 from 60, including six boundaries and a maximum.
A flurry of wickets put Australia on the backfoot; Alex Carey fell cheaply to Shaheen while Mitchell Starc and Marsh both were caught off Mir Hamza’s bowling as Australia were reduced to 286-8 in 89.1 overs.
The 20 runs scored between Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon for the ninth-wicket partnership helped Australia cross the 300-run mark. Right-arm pacer Hasan Ali removed Lyon after he was brought back into the attack to bowl out the opposition for 318.
Pakistan had a good outing with the ball as every bowler got at least a wicket each and Aamir – with three scalps to his name – was the most successful of the lot. His fellow pacers – Shaheen, Hasan and Hamza – had two each while spinner Salman Ali Agha bagged one as well.
Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique opened the batting for Pakistan, providing the team with a cautious start. Imam made 10 runs from 44 deliveries before he fell victim to Lyon.
Pakistan captain Shan Masood then joined Abdullah on the crease and the two stitched a splendid partnership of 90 runs, turning the momentum in Pakistan’s favour. Eventually, Abdullah was caught and bowled by Cummins after the right-handed opener hit a solid half-century (62, 109b, 5x4s) – his first on Australian soil.
In his subsequent over, Cummins rattled the stumps of Babar Azam, who had to walk back after scoring just a run. Soon after, Shan top-edged the ball to be caught by Marsh off Lyon’s bowling. The Pakistan captain fell after scoring 54 from 76, including three fours and a six.
Turbulence continued for Pakistan as Josh Hazlewood disturbed the stumps to remove Saud Shakeel for a 29-ball nine. Salman Ali Agha (5, 8b, 1×4) was caught behind as Cummins picked up his third of the day to leave Pakistan in a spot of bother at 170-6 in 48 overs.
Mohammad Rizwan and Aamir Jamal attempted to rebuild the innings for Pakistan. The unbeaten seventh-wicket stand between the two added 24 runs to the total. Pakistan salvaged a semblance of stability after losing five wickets at the expense of just 46 runs.
At stumps, Pakistan were 194-6 in 55 overs with Rizwan (29 not out, 34b, 1×4, 1×6) and Aamir (2 not out, 26b) at the crease.
Action will resume on day three at the Melbourne Cricket Ground at 0430 PKT.
Scores in brief:
Australia 318 all out, 96.5 overs (Marnus Labuschagne 63, Usman Khawaja 42, Mitchell Marsh 41; Aamir Jamal 3-64, Mir Hamza 2-51, Hasan Ali 2-61, Shaheen Shah Afridi 2-85, Salman Ali Agha 1-22)
Pakistan 194-6, 55 overs (Abdullah Shafique 62, Shan Masood 54, Mohammad Rizwan 29 not out; Pat Cummins 3-37, Nathan Lyon 2-48, Josh Hazlewood 1-29)
Governor assures support to HTF in preservation of hindko language
PESHAWAR, Dec 27 (APP):Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Haji Ghulam Ali on Thursday assured cooperation to a delegation of Hindkowan Tahafuz (Preservation) Foundation (HTF) in a resolution of problems and appreciated their efforts for preservation and promotion of the Hindko language.
The delegation led by the Chairman, Haji Amin Hassan included Malik Shan Elahi, Ghulam Bilal Javaid, Nasir Jamal, Ehsan Arif, Rizwan Saraf, and other members. Mayor Peshawar, Haji Zubair Ali was also present on the occasion.
The delegation discussed with the governor matters relating to the promotion of the Hindko language urging him to take steps for inclusion of language in the curriculum of schools and to play a role in the preservation of the historic language, for which Governor KP assured his full support to the foundation.
He also lauded the efforts of the foundation for the promotion of the Hindko language and associated culture.
Later, he met with a delegation of high court lawyers that was led by Bilal Khalil Advocate.
The delegation informed the governor about their problems and concerns. The governor listened to their problems and assured the delegation his support.
367 candidates appear in national registration exam
ISLAMABAD, Dec 27 (APP):Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has said that total 367 candidates were appeared in National Registration Examination (NRE) step 2 exam.
According to spokesperson of PMDC, more than 50% of these candidates passed the examination, which was successfully conducted by the council.
The exam was conducted by the National University of Medical Sciences, as per the schedule announced by the council.
The exam was held at Combined Military Hospital (CMH) on 10th of December 2023.
The whole purpose of the NRE was to test the competency, knowledge, and skills of a graduate to ensure they are a ‘safe doctor’ as they would be granted a license to treat patients independently, the spokesperson said.
It is pertinent to mention here that NRE step one exam was a theoretical MCQ based basic and clinical sciences evaluation exam for foreign medical graduates.
The PMDC conducted this examination for medical graduates who have acquired their degrees from foreign institutions and wish to practice medicine in Pakistan.