MULTAN: December 20 – .
Vendor is displaying and selling dry fruit at General Bus Stand road.
MULTAN: December 20 – .
Vendors displaying seasonal fruit oranges to attract customers at Islamabad Fruit and Vegetable market
ISLAMABAD: December 20 –
Students performing tableau on the stage during Christmas program in connection with upcoming Christmas at local church.
HYDERABAD: December 20 –
APP02-201223
HYDERABAD: December 20 –
FTO coordinator felicitates Dr. Shahid Hassan
LAHORE, Dec 20 (APP):Coordinator to Minister of State and Federal Tax Ombudsman Meher Kashif Younis has felicitated Dr Shahid Hassan on his appointment as Russian Federation Ambassador to Pakistan for Education and Science, in recognition of services for promotion of quality education.
In a letter, shared with the media here on Wednesday, he said it was an honour that the Government of the Russian Federation had nominated Pakistan origin Dr. Shahid Hassan, chairman Association of Pakistani Graduates from Russia and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), which would cement friendly relations between the two countries.
Meher, who is also chairman Kyrgyzstan Trade House in Pakistan, and vice president Gold Ring Economic Forum, a strategic think tank, said that Dr. Shahid had a long history of devoted and matchless services in arranging different seminars and meetings of educational institutions of both countries and providing all kinds of assistance to interested stakeholders for signing the MoUs and agreements between Pakistan and Russia.
He said it was not only a great honour for Dr. Shahid and his family but also for whole of country for earning this laurel and wishing him more honors, success and good health in the days to come.
CPEC substantially transformed Pakistan’s socio-economic scenario : Solangi
ISLAMABAD, Dec 20 (APP): Caretaker Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi on Wednesday said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), formally launched in 2013, had substantially transformed the socio-economic scenario of Pakistan by addressing the dire energy crisis and crumbling infrastructure.
“The CPEC has infused hope, trust and confidence in Pakistani people”, Solangi said while delivering a keynote address at the 8th China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Media Forum.
Prior to the CPEC, Pakistan had been facing daunting challenges in 2013, that included 10-hour blackouts, a 2500 MW electricity deficit, and a $250 billion economic loss, he said, and added later the CPEC projects had profound positive effects on the lives of local people with provision employment opportunities.
He said the CPEC eventually expedited Pakistan’s economic development process and so far multiple projects had been completed in the energy sector alone. “CPEC significantly boosted Pakistan’s economic growth,” he noted.
Solangi said: “The CPEC is not just an infrastructure project; it has generated 2,36,000 jobs since 2013 and is set to create 1.2 million direct jobs, contributing to local workforce development and reducing regional disparities.”
The minister said the CPEC had significantly enhanced Pakistan’s economic growth, contributing a projected annual increase of 2 to 2.5 percentage points. “A 2018 World Bank report suggested a potential 3.5 per cent overall economic growth boost,” he added.
Going beyond the urban centres, he said the CPEC had addressed regional development gaps, fostering growth through various projects in the Western Alignment.
In the energy sector, he said CPEC’s diverse 17,045 MW capacity, encompassing hydro, wind, solar, and coal-based power generation, had ensured a sustainable and reliable supply chain.
He said the CPEC Media Forum was launched in 2104 to create awareness among the people about the ongoing propaganda against China and Pakistan.
Highlighting the critical role of media, he said : “In a world where information bombards us constantly, shaping our thoughts and opinions, it’s crucial to sift through the facts”, he added.
The CPEC Media Forum, the minister said, had significant importance for him as he had the privilege of participating in the fourth edition of the CPEC Media Forum in 2018 in Beijing, alongside Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed.
During that period, he said the positive impacts of CPEC did not fully reach local communities at the initial stage, so there was widespread propaganda against CPEC and China in Western and Indian media.
He said that media’s role in shaping public perceptions of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) required objective and accurate reporting to highlight its multiple aspects.
“Propaganda really shapes how people see such projects by carefully sharing information to influence their beliefs and feelings. It uses selective facts, emotions, and sometimes misleading stories to create a specific viewpoint.”
He said that as the custodian of information, media should disseminate accurate and unbiased narratives in a responsible manner.
” In today’s information age, your role as guardians of truth is more vital than ever,” he said, and urged the media to verify, cross-check, and prioritize authenticity over sensationalism to counter the corrosive effects of fake news.
It should contribute to a constructive dialogue, conveying the true impact and potential of CPEC to the public for a prosperous future,” the minister said.
” Let’s stand united in recognizing CPEC as a transformative force that has not only reshaped our nation but has also become a beacon of hope for a brighter, more prosperous Pakistan” he said, adding “Together, let us debunk myths, celebrate achievements, and work towards a future where the promise of CPEC is fully realized”.
18 student showcase their innovative projects at USKT
SIALKOT, Dec 20 (APP): As many as 18 students of 12 universities displayed their innovative and research projects at a show, organised by the Sialkot University, at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), here on Wednesday. Other educational institutions including National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), Technical Education & Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) and University of Gujrat also collaborated for organising the event.
The IEEE Student Branch at the University of Sialkot (USKT), led by Dr. Sabeen Javaid, proudly presented the IEEE PIE 2023, an event that epitomised innovation and academic brilliance. The main event of the IEEE PIE 2023 was the closing ceremony, which was attended by Ms. Kanwal Cheema, chief executive officer (CEO) of My Impact Meter, USKT Vice Chancellor Muhammad Rehan Younas and Registrar Muhammad Yaqoob.
They presented prizes to the winning and runners-up students.
The event was organised with active support of MG Motors, Rehmatul-Lilalameen Real Estate Agency, Metro EVs Bikes, and Yemek.
Child hit to death
SARGODHA, Dec 20 (APP):A child was hit to death by a dumper on Silanwali Road near here on Wednesday.
District Emergency Officer Muhammad Mazhar Shah said Ali Hamza, 4, of Factory area
was crossing the road when the speeding dumper hit and killed him.
Police reached the spot and shifted the body to a local hospital.
Decked Christmas tree always becomes centerpiece of festive joy
ISLAMABAD, Dec 20 (APP):With only a few days left in the commencement of the celebrations of the grand festival of Christmas, the Christian community in the federal capital like other parts of the country has started decorating the Christmas tree which is the centrepiece of the festive joy.
The Christmas tree is the main symbol of the Christmas celebrations to welcome the arrival of Santa Claus and creates more attraction to the occasion of Christmas with its colourful decorative look.
The members of the Christian community have started decorating the evergreen coniferous tree, real or artificial, as a tradition associated with the celebration of Christmas.
The tree is usually decked with different ornaments including baubles, small bells painted gold or silver, stars of different shapes and sizes, pine cones, apples, candies, tinsel and balloons made from glass, metal, wood and ceramic. An angel and star are often placed at the top of the tree representing the host of angels.
“I have started the ornamentation of my Christmas tree before the time and I am excited because all my friends are visiting my home to see the colourful tree”, said Asiya Yusuf, a youngster.
She said, “Decorating Christmas tree is the main hallmark of this festival, “our festival remains incomplete without bringing this tree”.
Amir Masih, who is a father of four-kids, “My kids are always more enthusiastic towards decorating Christmas Tree before the start of the festival so that they have pictures of the decked tree on their social media platforms to get likes”.
He said that Christmas is the time to share happiness with each other and pray for our country’s progress and prosperity.
The festival of Christmas also brings good business to the sweet sellers, gift shops as well as the sellers of ornaments for Christmas tree.
Talking to APP, Ali Nawaz, a decorative items seller said that people mostly use colourful candles and electric lights (fairy lights) to decorate their small-sized trees as these are easily available here while many people also decorate outdoor trees with lights and some other ornaments.
He said the festival would also give us the opportunity to sell these ornaments and earn good business.
In various cultures, the Christmas tree is traditionally brought into the home and decorated with Christmas lights (originally candles), ornaments, garlands, tinsel, and candy canes during the days around Christmas.
The earliest accounts of decorating an evergreen tree at Christmas were recorded in Livonia (roughly modern territory of Estonia and Latvia) in 15th century. The Christian community is finalizing its preparations for celebrating the Christmas festival with more enthusiasm and renewed spirit, feeling the echo of church bells that announce the birth of Jesus.
Christmas is the occasion when all young and old take a keen interest in decorating Christmas trees and buying Christmas gifts to show their love to their family and friends and celebrate the occasion by distributing gifts among children, singing hymns and prayers, and arranging family gatherings.
The festival will be marked through different activities ranging from official gatherings to cake-cutting ceremonies in small communities.
The joyous occasion will fill the atmosphere with colours, symbols and traditions of Christmas that mainly include Christmas Tree, Santa Claus, Carols and Christmas gifts.
Promoting science & technology key to achieve rapid development: PM
SWABI, Dec 20 (APP):Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Wednesday emphasized that focusing on science and technology was important to achieve goals of fast development in the country.
Addressing at Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences (GIKI) in Topi area of Swabi, he said the institute was playing vital role in promotion of science and technology as it was preparing high quality graduates in a range of fields of engineering sciences.
The prime minister recalled that when he visited GIKI for the first time in 1990s, he was much impressed by the not only the infrastructure of the institute but also the quality of education and energy of students.
He said Allah Almighty created human being for a noble cause. The ability to think, the ability to conceptualize things and seeking knowledge makes the human being different from the angels, he added.
The prime minister said Pakistan was formed to have the prestigious educational institutions such as GIKI.
He also stressed the need to establish replicas of this institute in other parts of the country. He said he would try his best to establish GIKI campuses in all provinces of the country.
The prime minister also commended the great work done by the faculty of the institute. He assured that the government would provide all out support to the institute in any of its initiative.
18 Returning Officers take oath for general election
MULTAN, Dec 20 (APP): District administration started preparation of conducting a transparent upcoming general election as exactly 18 returning officers among six for the seats of National Assembly and 12 Provincial Assembly took oath here on Wednesday.
Deputy Commissioner Rizwan Qadir took oath as the District Returning Officer amid officials of the election commission and other district officers.
Speaking on the occasion Rizwan Qadir pressed for working without pressure from any quarter associated with the election procedure.
The bureaucrats who took oath as Returning Officers for as many as six seats of the National Assembly including Additional Commissioner (Revenue) Mohammed Arshad Gopang for NA 148 Multan-1, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Faizan Ahmed for 149 Multan-II, Additional Secretary Higher Education Department, South Punjab Attaul Haq for NA- 150 Multan- III, DG PHA Asif Rauf NA- 151 Multan- IV, Assistant Commissioner Shujabad Fayyaz Ali NA- 152 Multan- V, Assistant Commissioner Jalapur Pirwala Mirza Raheel Baig for NA- 153 Multan-VI.