RAWALPINDI: December 07 –
RAWALPINDI: December 07 – S
Students performing on stage during seminar on International Day of Persons with Disabilities at Punjab Council of Arts.
RAWALPINDI: December 07 –
RAWALPINDI: December 07 – S
Solangi arrives in Quetta for three-day visit
QUETTA, Dec 07 (APP): Caretaker Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi on Thursday arrived here on a three-day visit to Balochistan.
Balochistan Minister for Information Jan Achakzai and the officials of the ministry of information received the minister on his arrival at the Quetta International Airport.
Murtaza Solangi will meet the Balochistan Governor Malik Abdul Wali Khan Kakar and provincial cabinet members.
The federal minister will also visit the Pakistan Television Quetta Centre, Radio Pakistan Quetta Station, Press Information Department, APP Bureau and DGPR office.
High-level meeting discusses BRT project with ADP mission
PESHAWAR, Dec 07 (APP): Advisor Planning and Development to caretaker Chief Minister, Dr. Syed Sarfaraz Ali Shah here on Thursday held a high-level meeting on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project with the Asian Development Bank Mission.
The meeting, attended by Additional Chief Secretary Planning and Development Syed Imtiaz Hussain Shah and representatives from the BRT project, focused on enhancing and finalizing the ongoing initiatives related to the Bus Rapid Transit system. The Asian Development Bank mission played a crucial role in the discussions, providing insights and collaboration opportunities.
The meeting discussed strategies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the BRT system, ensuring a top-quality service for all commuters. The meeting emphasized the need for collaboration between stakeholders to address the challenges and expedite the progress of the BRT project.
Dr. Syed Sarfaraz Ali Shah expressed the government’s commitment to providing modern and efficient public transportation infrastructure. He highlighted the importance of aligning the project with international standards to ensure its success and positive impact on the community.
Syed Imtiaz Hussain Shah underscored the significance of effective coordination among all involved parties to streamline the BRT initiatives .
The Caretaker Advisor and the Additional Chief Secretary appreciated the collaborative efforts and support from the Asian Development Bank, recognizing the pivotal role it plays in sustainable urban development.
Colourful ‘Islamabad Women Gala 2023’ to starts on Dec 9
ISLAMABAD, Dec 07 (APP): The federal capital is gearing up for a burst of colour as ‘Islamabad Women Gala 2023’, organized by Lets’ Grow Together, community is set to unfold its vibrant canvas on December 9 here at the Pak China Friendship Center.
This two-day extravaganza aims to spotlight the talents of women artisans and home-based workers.
Around 150 stalls will showcase a kaleidoscope of made-in-Pakistan products, ranging from fashion items, interior décor, furniture, resin art, paintings, garments to exquisite jewellery.
The invitation extends to all, with a focus on encouraging families to revel in the cultural ambiance while savouring local cuisines.
Ambreen Haider, the leader of Lets Grow Together Community, emphasized the event’s broader impact on income generation for women entrepreneurs.
Imported product stalls contribute to this economic drive, creating a diverse marketplace.
This Gala is more than just a fun-filled event; it’s a testament to Lets Grow Together’s mission – creating economic opportunities.
As an active community, LGT provides a platform for artisans to showcase their products, share stories, and build networks.
Ambreen Haider believes such events empower women, educate children, improve health, and contribute to thriving communities.
LGT is a community dedicated to supporting and empowering women, contributing to socio-economic development in urban slums.
Their initiative empowers women, fostering financial independence, self-esteem, and sustainable skills for life.
Ambreen Haider concluded with a powerful statement: “The LGT community operates on a self-help basis, providing a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs. Our belief in ‘buy local, support local’ propels our community’s significant growth.”
FIH Hockey Junior WC: Pakistan defeat New Zealand 4-0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 07 (APP): Arshad Liaqat scored a brilliant hat-trick to help Pakistan beat New Zealand 4-0 in their second match of the ongoing FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.
Pakistan started in their top gear and finished in the same fashion.
Liaqat, who was in outstanding form right from the outset, scored three goals in the 19th, 30th and 54th minutes of the match to put Pakistan in a commanding position.
Skipper Abdul Hanan Shahid also chipped in, scoring a goal on a penalty corner in the 32nd minute of the match.
Pakistan will take on Belgium on December 9 in their last group match.
The Junior World Hockey Cup features 16 teams from around the world, including Pakistan in Pool D alongside the Netherlands, Belgium, and New Zealand.
Defending champions Argentina are in Pool A along with Australia, Malaysia and Chile. Egypt, France, Germany and South Africa are in Pool B while Pool C includes Canada, India, South Korea and Spain.
The top two teams from each group will make it to the quarterfinals.
As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more exhilarating matches as teams vie for supremacy on the international stage.
ECP set to unveil election schedule in coming days, polling on February 8: CEC
ISLAMABAD, Dec 7 (APP): The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is poised to announce the election schedule in the coming days, with polling scheduled for February 8, 2024, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja said Thursday.
In his message for National Voters Day, the CEC conveyed that the final electoral rolls’ printing and delivery had concluded.
The Election Commission would soon issue notifications for District Returning Officers, Returning Officers, and Assistant Officers in the coming days.
He mentioned that the Election Commission was fully cognizant of all its constitutional and legal responsibilities.
Emphasizing its full preparedness and commitment, the Election Commission (ECP) assures voters of complete security throughout the election process, ensuring the exercise of their voting rights with privacy and transparency in the upcoming elections.
On National Voter’s Day, he urged the public to participate in shaping the nation’s bright future by exercising their right to vote, as stated by the CEC.
Encouraging voters, he emphasized the importance of prioritizing their children’s future and advised against believing unfounded news and rumors concerning the elections.
Encouraging public participation in the electoral process, the CEC emphasized it as both a right and a national duty.
The Election Commission is presently devoted to preparing for the upcoming general elections.
NAB holds seminar on ‘Curbing Corruption through a Documented Economy’
ISLAMABAD, Dec 7 (APP): Deputy Chairman of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Sohail Nasir on Thursday stressed on the importance of individuals holding themselves accountable and working together to combat corruption in the society.
Speaking at a seminar on “Curbing Corruption through a Documented Economy,” he suggested that children should take on an active role in preventing corruption or corrupt practices in their surroundings.
The seminar was organized by NAB in partnership with the Legal Aid and Justice Authority (LAJA) in connection with the Anti-Corruption Week-2023.
Nasir emphasized that everyone should be committed to performing their duties diligently and honestly.
He observed that “our societal behaviour, which is often marked by negativity and indiscriminate criticism, done merely for the sake of criticism, has the potential to erode and harm the fabric of society”.
NAB Rawalpindi Director General Mirza Irfan Baig, in his remarks, said that corruption was a curse as it disrupted the peace of society.
He underscored the significance of refraining from seeking positions undeservedly and highlighted the necessity of ensuring self-accountability.
He mentioned that the NAB Rawalpindi was currently handling corruption cases of Rs 8 billion and over, with an overall successful recovery of Rs 350 billion.
Recently, the Bureau facilitated the return of Rs 600 million to the affected individuals of Arain City, and its conviction ratio stood at over 61 percent, he added.
Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Chairman Dr Amjad Saqib emphasized the importance of personal transformation and advocated for demanding behavioural change from oneself before expecting it from others.
He mentioned that his organization, Akhuwat, had provided loans to more than six million deserving individuals to help them start their own businesses. To date, over Rs 220 billion had been disbursed, achieving an impressive recovery ratio of 99.9 percent, he added.
Dr Raheem Awan, Director General of the Legal Aid and Justice Authority (LAJA), mentioned that NAB and LAJA had jointly resolved to educate the youth about the impacts of corruption. They were preparing to initiate a campaign and training programme in educational institutions to combat corruption.
He emphasized the importance of strengthening anti-corruption institutions.
Former Inspector General of Police, Syed Kaleem Imam, emphasized the importance of ensuring equality among citizens to foster a harmonious and peaceful society.
In the end, NAB awarded cash prizes and shields to the winning students of declamation, poster design, painting, skit, and other competitions. Some 304 students from schools and colleges of Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Murree, Attock, Jhelum, and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) participated in the competitions.
As part of an awareness program against corruption and in observance of Corruption Day on December 9, 2023, a walk was organized from NAB headquarters to the National Library.
Two-day Water Festival, Technology Fair kicks off
ISLAMABAD, Dec 07 (APP): In connection with observing Pakistan Water Week 2023, two day water festival and technology fair kicked off here Thursday.
Organized by the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), in collaboration with IWMI Pakistan and UNICEF and various partner organizations, the fair aimed at addressing the critical challenges surrounding water resources and promote innovative solutions in the field of water and climate.
Caretaker Minister for Water Resources Ahmad Irfan Aslam inaugurated the two-day fair symbolizing the government’s commitment to addressing the pressing water issues faced by the nation.
The Technology Fair featured stalls set up by leading research and development organizations in the water sector and universities.
The minister took round of each stall, where representatives from PCRWR, IWMI, UNICEF, Islamic Relief, WWF and other international agencies, academia, and industry provided detailed briefings on their groundbreaking technologies and ongoing research initiatives aimed at tackling water related challenges.
He also engaged with students participating in the poster competition, where young minds showcased their innovative ideas and projects related to water conservation and management.
The students passionately explained their poster themes, offering the minister valuable insights into the next generation’s commitment to addressing water issues.
On the occasion the, the minister also launched the recent research reports of PCRWR based on its groundbreaking work related to Hudiara Drain, Assessment and Management of Surface and Groundwater in Islamabad, Tharparker and Cholistan, National threat of Arsenic in Groundwater.
Speaking on the occasion, Ahmad Irfan Aslam emphasized the importance of water for sustaining life.
Citing alarming projections, he expressed concern over reports suggesting that by 2070, the Indus River could run dry, posing a severe threat to the region’s ability to sustain life.
The minister emphasized the need for collective efforts to conserve and manage water resources effectively.
He commended the organizers for their initiative in hosting such a significant event, shedding light on public awareness and providing a platform for research and development organizations to showcase their efforts.
He particularly appreciated the active participation of youth, emphasizing the role of young minds in driving positive change.
The minister encouraged the youth to actively participate in similar events, fostering a sense of responsibility and commitment to addressing the challenges posed by water scarcity.
During the day, Farhan Ahmad, Assistant Commissioner Islamabad City visited the Water Festival and Technology Fair. He visited the stalls installed by various organizations.
The stall organizers briefed about their technology and research products to the Assistant Commissioner.
He appreciated the efforts of PCRWR and its partners to organize such an event for public awareness and showcasing technology innovators their products.
It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan Water Week 2023 stands as a testament to the nation’s dedication to finding sustainable solutions for water-related issues, with the hope that collaborative efforts will pave the way for a water-secure future.
A worker arranging clay-made money boxes for drying purpose at Kumharpara, Jamshoro Road.
HYDERABAD: December 07 – Workers arranging clay-made pitchers for drying purpose at Kumharpara, Jamshoro Road. APP/AKS/TZD
HYDERABAD: December 07 –
A gypsy youngster searching and collecting recycle items from heap of garbage at site area
HYDERABAD: December 07 –