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FIA apprehends Baig for issuing counterfeit degrees

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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FIA
ISLAMABAD, Dec 23 (APP): Federal Investigation Authority (FIA) has apprehended Muhammad Amin Baig in Sector F-10 for allegedly distributing fraudulent degrees under the guise of The Open International University, Sri Lanka.
The FIA spokesperson stated here Saturday that Inspector Kashmif Riaz and Ehtasham Gondal, members of the FIA team, found printed degrees, certificates, fake university stamps and admission forms in the possession of the accused.
FIA apprehends Baig for issuing counterfeit degrees
Investigations are going on with more revelations expected. Amin ran a fraudulent international council, providing MD degrees for $1,000 and PhD degrees for $1,500.
Amin’s arrest was ordered by Deputy Director of Anti-Corruption Circle, Islamabad, Afzal Khan Niazi. Biag was conducting his unlawful operations through different agents.
FIA apprehends Baig for issuing counterfeit degrees
The detained former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Drap, Sheikh Akhtar Hussain, had acquired a degree from Baig’s fraudulent operation. Amin’s arrest was facilitated by information provided by the apprehended suspect.
Contact has been made with Sri Lankan authorities through Interpol.

Poet, Naat Khawan Muzaffar Warsi remembered

By
NNPS Desk
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Muzaffar Warsi

ISLAMABAD, Dec 23 (APP): Prominent Urdu poet, critic, essayist, lyricist and scholar Muzaffar Warsi was remembered here on his birth anniversary. Born on December 23, 1933 in Meerut, his name was Mohammad Muzaffar ud din Siddiqui and he used his pen name ‘Warsi’ making Muzaffar Warsi.

He started his poetry by writing lyrics for songs for Pakistani movies but gradually changed direction and his style of poetry became more oriented towards writing Hamd and Naats. Warsi was one of the few distinguished voices and one of the most prominent poets of Pakistan.

Warsi experimented with every genre of poetry including ghazal, nazam, naat and hamd. The unique style and diversity of themes made him prominent among the poets of his era. Muzaffar Warsi enlightened ‘Natia Poetry’ with a new style and naats like “Ya Rahmatulil Alameen” and would always be remembered among people having a literary taste.

He received the pride of performance award from the government of Pakistan in 1988.
He died on January 28, 2011 in Lahore.

Importance of information group increased manifold in age of narratives: Solangi

By
NNPS Desk
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Solangi

ISLAMABAD, Dec 23 (APP): Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi has said that in the age of propaganda, narratives and counter narratives, the importance of the job of the officers of Information group had increased manifold.

Delivering his keynote address at “Graduation Ceremony of Training Programmes Domain Specific 38th MCMC and 40th Specialised Training Programme”, here the other day, he said the responsibility of officers of this group was countering propaganda of inimical forces and promote and project Pakistan’s soft and positive image.

He said unlike many other groups of civil service, the information group officers had to work hard to improve their skills by continuous study. “You have to love your job to improve your knowledge. You have to learn not only about media, media laws but politics, history, geography, art, culture, music and languages of the country,” he added.

He said that the focus of the officers of the information group should be to adopt to rapidly changing media landscape. The minister said that when internet and social media were introduced, it was thought that new window of knowledge had been opened and the dependency of mainstream media would end.

But unfortunately, now a new “political economy” has been invented at the social media and affluent persons could hire services of a few dozen people to spread fake news and create bogus trends.

He urged the officers to learn languages of Pakistan which had diverse culture as conveying a message to someone in his own language was always easy.
He said that in this age of advanced technology, there was no scope of laxity as any delay in dissimenting truth would give others to fill the vacuum with fake news and propaganda.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Information and Broadcasting Shahera Shahid said that efforts were afoot for restructuring of the information group as per requirements of the modern times. She opined that restructuring of the information group was imperative to meet the challenges of modern times.

Shahera Shahid urged the officers and probationers of the group to work hard to improve the standing of their group.
Executive Director General of Information Service Academy Dr Tariq Mehmood in his welcome address, threw the light on the aims and objectives of the two courses.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi distributed the certificates among the participants of the two courses.
Senior officers from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting including Additional Secretary Information and Broadcasting Syed Mubashar Tauqir Shah and MD Associated Press of Pakistan were also present on the occasion.

Famous actor Izhar Qazi remembered

By
NNPS Desk
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Izhar Qazi

ISLAMABAD, Dec 23 (APP): Renowned film actor and singer Izhar Qazi was remembered on the occasion of his death anniversary on Saturday.
Born in Karachi, he began his professional career as an engineer at Pakistan Steel Mills.

He was introduced to television drama writer Fatima Suraiyya Bajia, who was looking for a new face for the television serial Ana. He appeared as the romantic lead alongside Mehreen Ilahi, Shakeel and Ghazala Kaifee in the 1982 serial. He later appeared in the serials Daira and Gardish with Shakeel and Saqi.

After achieving television success, Qazi transitioned into the Lollywood film industry in 1986. His film debut was as the lead role in Nazar Shabab’s Ruby, alongside veteran co-stars Mustafa Qureshi, Shafi Mohammad, Sabeeta, and Rangeela.

The film was met with critical acclaim. Director Jan Mohammad casts Qazi in his films. Qazi’s collaborations with Jan Muhammad included popular films including Manila ki Bijlyan, Roop ki Rani, and Choron ka Baadshah.

His most famous films were Love in Nepal, Aalmi Jasoos, Khazana and Sarkata Insaan.

Qazi retired from the film industry in 2003. His last acting role was in the series Pani Pe Naam, which aired on ptv. He was dismayed by the poor quality of Lollywood films and local film industry politics.

Sarkata Insaan, in which Qazi played the role of a police investigator, won eight Nigar Awards. He was awarded Nigar Awards for his performances in Sakhi Baadshan and Bakhtawar. He also received the National Award for Best Actor for his role in Masood Butt’s Chiragh Bali.

On December 23, 2007, he suffered a heart attack while singing at a wedding in Karachi. He later died at a local hospital and was buried at the Model Colony graveyard.

Elderly, medically vulnerable teachers appeal for exemption from polling duties

By
NNPS Desk
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teachers appeal

ISLAMABAD, Dec 23 (APP): Elderly and medically vulnerable teaching and non-teaching staff of educational institutions have appealed for exemption from their duties at polling stations during general election 2024.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has recently announced a training schedule for polling staff, a national duty that is mandatory and cannot be refused.

The staff of educational institutions are predominantly called upon for polling duties. The lack of consideration for the health and well-being of many teachers is highlighted by the fact that even those suffering from chronic conditions like heart problems are being appointed for election duties.

The situation is exacerbated by the apparent absence of engagement of staff from other ministries and divisions by the Election Commission, limiting the pool of resources available for such critical roles.

This has raised concerns among the senior educators about the potential impact on their health.

A senior women teacher, speaking to APP, expressed the physical challenges associated with age, stating, “I am 59 years old and at the verge of retirement and facing multiple health issues.

The teachers like me should be exempted from the polling duty which is a hustle job because it involves a range of responsibilities that can be physically and mentally demanding.”

As per medical experts, individuals aged beyond the fifth decade often experience a decline in muscle strength, aerobic capacity, and cognitive abilities. Factors such as slower reaction times and caution increase with age, presenting a trade-off between speed and accuracy. This is particularly concerning given the fast-paced and high-stress environment of election duties.

Emphasizing the need for younger, energetic teachers to take on these responsibilities, a young teacher said, “The young teachers who are energetic and enjoy performing such duties should be appointed as polling staff. Election duties typically require long hours, attention to detail, and the ability to handle various logistical challenges.

Polling stations are busy, with a continuous flow of voters, and the responsibility of ensuring a smooth and fair electoral process falls on the shoulders of the individuals working during elections.

This includes tasks such as verifying voter identities, managing queues, handling potential issues, and maintaining the overall integrity of the electoral process. It is a difficult job for those senior teachers who are in their late fifties.”

Adding to the plea, an Associate Professor of a local college, also choosing to remain anonymous, disclosed his struggle with diabetes and hypertension, conditions that make the physically demanding and stressful nature of polling duties even more challenging.

He stressed, “Teachers above the age of 55, especially those with chronic health conditions, should be exempted from polling duty because the pressure associated with election duties increases as the responsibility for maintaining order and facilitating a transparent voting process rests on the staff involved.

This demanding nature of the job can be particularly challenging for those who may not have the physical stamina or cognitive agility required for such tasks.”

Another teacher said, “Directors within the Federal Directorate of Education, who are in the same grades as the teachers, seem to be exempt from such duties, raising questions about the fairness and equity of the appointment process.

This has left many to wonder why teachers from the education department bear the brunt of election duties, impacting not only their well-being but also the education of students during their absence.

The teachers urged the authorities to consider their age and health conditions when assigning polling duties, suggesting that exemptions for those aged 55 and above or with specific health concerns would be a reasonable and compassionate approach.

China-Pakistan textile summit strengthens economic ties and collaboration

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
China, Pakistan
BEIJING, Dec 23 (APP): The China-Pakistan Textile and Apparel Executive Summit and Business Meetings were held in Kunshan, East China’s Jiangsu Province, last week. At least 100 representatives from the Chinese and Pakistani governments, trade associations and textile and apparel enterprises attended the event.
In his opening speech, Deputy Mayor of Kunshan Zhang Feng noted that the year 2023 marked the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the initiation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
As a flagship project of the Belt and Road, the CPEC has achieved significant cooperation results, particularly in the textile and apparel sector where there is substantial complementarity and potential for collaboration between the two countries, he said.
He expressed the hope that the summit would further deepen exchanges and cooperation in the textile and apparel industry, Global Times reported.
Gohar Ejaz, Federal Minister for Commerce and Industries of emphasized Pakistan’s traditional strength in textiles, citing natural conditions conducive to cotton production, a large and competitive workforce, a complete industrial chain, and favorable conditions for international market access.
He highlighted the potential for joint ventures between Chinese and Pakistani enterprises to produce different products along the textile value chain. Pakistan will provide comprehensive support for Chinese businesses investing in the country.
During the summit, the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Textiles (CCCT) and the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
According to a post by the CCCT, the signing of the MOU will further promote and strengthen economic and trade cooperation between the textile and apparel industries of China and Pakistan.
This collaboration is expected to empower and facilitate the development of cooperation between Chinese and Pakistani businesses, pushing bilateral trade, investment, and supply chain cooperation in the textile and apparel sector to new heights.

Pakistani in Qinghai heads to support supplies for quake-hit areas

By
NNPS Desk
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Pakistani in Qinghai

BEIJING, Dec 23 (APP): Anwaar Mazhar, a Pakistani who lives in Xining, northwest China’s Qinghai, bought a batch of relief materials after a magnitude 6.2 earthquake hit northwest China’s Gansu and Qinghai provinces on Monday night and drove to the quake-hit areas in Jishishan County, Gansu Province, for supplies support on Wednesday.

Next, Mazhar plans to replenish supplies and go to quake-hit areas in Qinghai Province, according to local social media.

Mazhar said that China has always been a “brother country” of Pakistan, and he has always remembered China’s support to Pakistan before. Mazhar hoped to do his bit to bring warmth to quake-affected people.

As of 8 am on Friday, the earthquake death toll had reached 117, with the number of injured persons standing at 781. By Friday noon, the number of relocation sites had reached 311, and 112,346 people had been transferred to safe places, according to the provincial earthquake relief headquarters.

Pak delegation visits AiMall Tech, Shenzhen, China

By
NNPS Desk
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AiMall Tech

BEIJING, Dec. 23 (APP): A delegation of Pakistan’s Artificial Intelligence Technology Center (AITC) comprised of Director General Nadeem Ahmed, Technical Director Dr. Aminuddin Qureshi, Directors Dr. Syed Khursheed Hasnain and Kamran Qureshi had a visit to Chinese AI company, Shenzhen AiMall Tech. Co., Ltd. to discuss bilateral cooperation.

Both parties conducted in-depth discussions on various issues and future cooperation plans in the field of AI technology. Dr. Yang Heng, Chairman of AiMall, Chen Zai, Strategic Planning Director, and Ji Chuande, Technical Expert accompanied the visit.

Nadeem Ahmed analyzed the current development status of AI globally and in Pakistan, and introduced in detail the scientific research progress made by AITeC in the field of AI through a video.

“So far, AITC has established multiple core artificial intelligence laboratories such as computer vision, natural language processing, machine learning and deep learning, and is committed to conducting high-quality AI technology research and development in various fields.”

Dr. Yang briefly introduced the overall development, technology application, industrial layout and strategic planning of AiMall. Subsequently, the two parties had specific discussions on topics such as AI large models, computer vision, embodied intelligence and other AI technology hotspots and industrial application development, and exchanged views on future business cooperation as well as training courses, CEN reported.

The delegation also visited the AI product area of AiMall. Dr. Yang introduced the application of AI technology in different industries in China, “including the retail fast-moving consumer goods industry, such as helping brands achieve rapid collection of offline real marketing data to accurately grasp market dynamics, and provide chain stores, properties, etc.

with comprehensive AI solutions covering people-goods-field from field experience to personnel environment management.”
In addition, the delegation’s experience also included international hot technologies such as general + vertical industry AI language large model application Ask and Get, intelligent vision AI multi-person real-time face-changing.

“AITeC devote to providing high-quality AI solutions customized according to needs, which coincides with the philosophy of AiMall. We highly look forward to exploring and promoting win-win development of AI technology,” said the delegation members, who highly appreciated for AiMall’s exploration in the field of AI. Both parties totally agreed to contribute to promoting the high-quality development of AI technology under the framework of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Belt and Road Initiative.

President extends condolences to bereaved families of Shuhada

By
Irfan Khan
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President

ISLAMABAD, Dec 23 (APP): President Dr Arif Alvi on Saturday expressed condolences with the bereaved families of Shuhada of Pakistan Army who laid down their lives in North Waziristan and Balochistan.

During separate telephonic conversations with the bereaved families, he expressed his sympathies, President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release.

These personnel of Pak Army had embraced shahadat on 22 November in Razmak, North Waziristan and on 3 November in Pasni, Balochistan.
The president paid tribute to Lance Naik Ahsan Badshah, Lance Naik Sajjad and Lance Naik Pardam Wali.

On behalf of entire nation, he paid tribute to their sacrifices.
The president also prayed for their high ranks and for the bereaved families to bear the losses with fortitude.

UN adopts diluted resolution on more aid to Gaza without calling for ceasefire

By
NNPS Desk
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0
UN

UNITED NATIONS, Dec 22 (APP): After days of intense negotiations and many delays, the U.N. Security Council adopted a watered-down resolution Friday calling for boosting aid deliveries to traumatized civilians in war-torn Gaza but without the original call for an “urgent suspension of hostilities” between Israel and Hamas.

The vote in the 15-member Council on the revised UAE-drafted resolution was 13 votes in favour to none against. The US and Russia abstained for entirely different reasons.

It followed a U.S. veto of a Russian amendment that would have restored the call for a suspension of hostilities. That vote was 10 members in favour, the U.S. against and four abstentions.

The resolution, among other elements, demanded immediate, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale directly to the Palestinian civilian population throughout the Gaza Strip.

The revised text was negotiated during a week of diplomacy by the United States, the United Arab Emirates on behalf of Arab nations and others.

The agreement came amid global outrage over a rising Gaza death toll in 11 weeks of Israeli bombardments and a worsening humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave.

Council members met behind closed doors on Thursday to discuss a revised draft resolution, then delayed the vote so they could consult their capitals on the significant changes, aimed at avoiding a U.S. veto. A new text with a few minor revisions was circulated Friday morning.

The vote, initially scheduled for Monday, has been delayed every day since then.

Rather than watered down, US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield described the resolution as “strong” and said it “is fully supported by the Arab group that provides them what they feel is needed to get humanitarian assistance on the ground.”

But it was devoid of its key provision with teeth — a call for “the urgent suspension of hostilities to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and for urgent steps towards a sustainable cessation of hostilities.”

Instead, it calls “for urgent steps to immediately allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and also for creating the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities.” The steps are not defined, but diplomats said if adopted this would mark the council’s first reference to stopping fighting.

In his remarks, Russian Ambassador Nebenzia recalled the amendment proposed by his delegation and said that the vote on it was a moment of truth.

He expressed regret that the Security Council did not find the courage to support at least the minimum call for an end to the violence in Gaza, and it instead signed up for a “license to kill” Palestinian civilians.

“This is a tragic moment for the Council, not a moment of triumph for multilateral diplomacy, but rather one of gross unprincipled blackmail and open scorn on the part of Washington for the suffering of Palestinians and the hopes of the global community,” he said.

He went on to note that if the draft resolution had not been supported by a number of Arab States, Russia would certainly have vetoed it.

Adding that Arab States are able to take decisions and bear responsibility, he underscored “categorical” disagreement with the content on the resolution.

Ambassador Nebenzia also emphasized that the Security Council’s clear demand for a full ceasefire remains an imperative, and that without it, the implementation of Council decisions in Gaza is simply impossible.

No matter how the US resist, shielding their main ally, in the Middle East region, the Security Council will be back to clearly and unequivocally demand a cessation of hostilities, he said.

Addressing the UN General Assembly last week, Pakistan’s Ambassador Munir Akram said that Israel’s war on Gaza was not to destroy Hamas, but to erase the “idea of Palestine”.

“Israel’s goal is not only to erase Hamas,” Ambassador Akram said. “This is a war against the Palestinian people. Israel’s goal is to erase not only a people but the entire idea of Palestine.”

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