ISLAMABAD, Mar 21 (APP):The U.S. Embassy’s Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL), Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) Pakistan and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) inaugurated ANF’s first women’s hostel facility in the Regional Directorate (North), here on Tuesday.

The hostel was built by UNDP with generous funding from the U.S. Embassy under the ‘Infrastructure for the Enhancement of Gender Equality and Rule of Law in Pakistan’ project, the hostel is a step towards making ANF more gender-responsive and encouraging more women to join ANF, said a UNDP press release.

The USD 1.14 million project was initiated in September 2020, as part of a broader U.S. Embassy effort to promote gender-inclusive infrastructure in law enforcement services. The four-story women’s hostel can accommodate more than 45 women personnel and includes a child daycare facility.
Meanwhile, UNDP with U.S. Embassy’s funding is already working on the extension of the living and training capacity of ANF Academy Islamabad.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Major General Muhammad Aneeq ur Rehman Malik, HI (M), Director General (DG), ANF, Emmett Sapp, Program Officer, U.S. Embassy’s Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, and Knut Ostby, Resident Representative, UNDP Pakistan.

On this occasion, Major General Muhammad Aneeq ur Rehman Malik, HI(M), DG ANF, thanked the U.S. Embassy and UNDP for their support. Underlining the significance of gender-responsive infrastructure and policies, he shared, “We are committed to strengthening the representation of women in ANF to more effectively curb drug trafficking. For this, we are creating equal opportunities for ANF women officers to grow in their careers.”

Emmett Sapp, Program Officer, U.S. Embassy’s Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, acknowledged UNDP and ANF’s tireless efforts to achieve this important milestone. She emphasized, “We firmly believe that ANF can make the world safer from drugs, and related crimes with equal representation of women. Studies have shown that diverse workforces lead to more effective and inclusive decision-making, and diversity is especially critical for establishing and maintaining public trust in law enforcement.”

UNDP Pakistan’s Resident Representative, Knut Ostby, took this opportunity to thank the U.S. Embassy for their commitment to promote gender equality in law enforcement services.

He also appreciated ANF for their forthcoming participation in the project. “We want to increase the representation of women in law enforcement so that more women feel comfortable approaching the formal justice system. I hope that adding a women’s hostel will encourage more women to join ANF and increase their representation, which is crucial for stronger law enforcement.”

ISLAMABAD, Mar 21 (APP): The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja was briefed on various IT projects by the IT team of the Commission and the officers of the Project Management Unit regarding the General Election 2023.

One of the key projects discussed was the establishment of a new Election Management Control Center (EMCC) which will monitor all phases of the election process, increase transparency and efficiency, and is expected to have a positive impact on the upcoming elections.

The ECP has also launched the Election Management System (EMS) which will provide support to returning officers in compiling results. The results will be displayed on live screens in the offices of Returning Officers, Provincial Election Commissioners, and the Election Commission Secretariat, allowing media and candidates to access the results and promoting transparency in the electoral process.

To further ensure transparency and efficiency, the ECP has established a Scrutiny Facilitation Center that will collaborate with various departments such as State Bank, FIA, NAB, NADRA, and FBR to check information and data related to candidates. The center will use an online system to facilitate the process, which is expected to streamline the scrutiny process and reduce errors.

The system provides immediate information to returning officers regarding candidates’ dual citizenship, bank default, FBR and NAB cases, which will be crucial in the scrutiny process. The use of technology to provide instant information to returning officers will help to prevent irregularities and promote fair and free elections in the country.

The EMS verified and provided the records of 8595 candidates to returning officers under the newly established system.

The records were verified from various institutions, including those related to dual citizenship, bank default, FBR, and NAB cases. The use of this system has allowed for the efficient and timely compilation of crucial information, ensuring transparency in the scrutiny process.

In addition to these measures, the ECP has planned to establish a control room equipped with a monitoring system that was previously used in the general election. Representatives from district administration, law enforcement agencies, and returning officers will be present at all times in the control room to ensure timely monitoring.

The ECP will also share a WhatsApp number and UAN number with the public for the first time, enabling the immediate registration and redressal of complaints in accordance with the law. This move is expected to enhance public participation in the electoral process and contribute to free and fair elections in the country.

The ECP’s continued efforts to promote transparency and accountability in the electoral process are crucial for ensuring free and fair elections in the country. The meeting was attended by members of the Election Commission, Special Secretary, Additional Secretary, and senior officers of the Election Commission. Overall, the ECP’s commitment to using technology to increase transparency and efficiency in the electoral process is commendable and bodes well for the upcoming General Election 2023.

ISLAMABAD, Mar 21 (APP):Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Youth Affairs, Shiza Fatima Khawaja on Tuesday said that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has always committed to empowering the youth and their interests, as they are the only asset to build a prosperous Pakistan.

Addressing the ‘Prime Minister’s Youth Development Initiative’ ceremony here, she said to empower youth former prime minister Nawaz Sharif launched several youth programs including Loan Scheme, Scholarship Programs, Skills Development Program, Laptop Scheme.

She said the government was fully aware of the problems faced by the youth and it was making every possible effort to resolve their issues. “PM Youth Program is our flagship initiative aimed to provide various facilities for youth”, she added.

Shiza said,”Youth week’ was celebrated last month to mark 10 years completion of Programme. Programs like future builder’s contest, loan scheme checks distribution ceremony, twitter space and eco-marathon were organized during the week to promote positive activities among the youth.

She further said that several schemes under ‘PM Youth Program 2023’, including business and agriculture loan scheme, laptop scheme, skills and competence through Toyota’s institutes, sports-focused engagement program through Higher Education Commission (HEC), creative ideas through business and environmental change initiatives were launched under Public Sector Development Fund.

ISLAMABAD, Mar 21 (APP): Minister for Interior Rana Sanaullah Khan has said the government is committed to provide all facilities for training of police officers and their capacity building on modern basis.

He stated this while visiting National Police Academy Islamabad on Tuesday. Commandant National Police Academy AD Khawaja welcomed the minister on his arrival while IGP Islamabad Akbar Nasir Khan was also present on this occasion.

Commandant National Police Academy gave a detailed briefing to the minister about the academy.

Interior Minister inaugurated the new sports complex at the academy where facilities of gymnasium, squash court and swimming pool have been provided for the officers under training.

The minister laid the foundation stone of the technical and physical training area at the academy.

The National Police Academy is a higher training institution for police officers, the minister said adding that it has played an admirable role in providing leadership to the police force in Pakistan.

He said the students of this academy included brave officers who made great sacrifices for the fulfillment of duty and the protection of the people.

The minister said that Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has allocated 10 acres of land for technical and physical training of ASPs.

He said CDA has been directed to complete the development work on this project as soon as possible so that it can be made operational.

The minister appreciated the efforts of Commandant National Police Academy and his entire team for completing pending projects.