ISLAMABAD: August 18 – . APP/ADZ/MAF/ABB
ISLAMABAD: August 18 – Heavy machinery being used to construct new lanes on Islamabad Expressway for smooth traffic flow. APP/ADZ/MAF/ABB
Heavy machinery being used to construct new lanes on Islamabad Expressway for smooth traffic flow
ISLAMABAD: August 18 – . APP/ADZ/MAF/ABB
ISLAMABAD: August 18 – Heavy machinery being used to construct new lanes on Islamabad Expressway for smooth traffic flow. APP/ADZ/MAF/ABB
Okara University signs MoUs with Sialkot, Pindi universities for women
LAHORE, Aug 18 (APP):The University of Okara has signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the Government College Women University (GCWU) Sialkot and the Rawalpindi Women University (RWU) to enhance collaboration in various areas of academics and research.
The MoUs were inked between Okara University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Wajid, RWU VC Prof Dr Anila Kaml, and GCWU Sialkot VC Prof Dr Zarrin Fatima Rizvi, respectively.
Under the agreements, these institutions would work together to achieve United Nation’s SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), facilitate students regarding the use of laboratories and equipment and hostels, organise joint lectures, seminars, workshops and conferences, and develop bilateral culture of research and innovation and provide opportunities of internship to students for their professional development.
The universities would arrange sports events for female students by observing all cultural values. Commenting on the scope of the MoUs, Prof Wajid said, “We want to build a strong network of the academicians and researchers at national and international levels and these agreements will enable us to pool up resources and expertise to perk up the higher education standards in Pakistan.”
Earlier, the Okara University had entered into pacts with more than 30 universities and all those were functional.
Provision of cheaper energy in environmental friendly manner termed as biggest challenge of 21st century
ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (APP):Chairperson of Punjab Higher Education Commission, Prof. Dr. Shahid Munir Friday said that the biggest challenge of the 21st century is to provide cheaper energy to everyone in an environmentally friendly manner.
He was speaking at a webinar on “Co-combustion of Coal and Biomass for Clean Electricity Generation” held at COMSTECH.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Munir said that the biggestbchallenge in the 21st century is to provide cheaper energy to everyone in an environmentally friendly manner.
He said that the energy needs will increase by 300 percent by the end of the 21st century.
He said that the electricity generation is linked with environmental pollution.
Prof. Munir mentioned that the global average surface temperature has increased by about 0.6 centigrade and this is projected to increase by 1.4 to 5.8 centigrade by 2100.
Prof. Munir said that Pakistan generates 61% electricity from thermal (oil, gas and coal), 24 % from hydel, 12% from nuclear, and 3% from renewable sources.
He said that Pakistan is in the serious crisis of oil and gas shortages.
He said that coal is a game changer for Pakistan. Pakistan has coal reserves worth about USD 30 trillion, and this reserve can provide 100,000 MW of electricity for more than 500 years.
Prof. Munir said that co-combustion of coal with biomass is gaining popularity with the electric utilities producers because it is a relatively cheaper, low risk, sustainable, and renewable way of generating green power in utility plants.
Prof. Dr. Shahid Munir has a PhD degree from University of Leeds, UK.
His area of research is biomass-coal co-combustion, and his research work has been published in international and national journals of high impact factor.
More than 100 participants joined the webinar online from Pakistan and other different OIC member states.
Earlier, Coordinator General, COMSTECH Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary welcomed the participants.
He appreciated the contribution of Prof. Munir toward his field of expertise, academic excellence, and research productivity.
PUC, IIHC observe ‘Condemnation Day’ nationwide denouncing Jaranwala incident
ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (APP): Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) and International Interfaith Harmony Council (IIHC) on Friday jointly observed a solemn ‘Condemnation Day’ nationwide, denouncing the shocking incidents of worship place desecration in Jaranwala.
The widespread outrage echoed through mosques across the country as religious leaders and scholars addressed Friday congregations.
The call for unity and justice resonated as Ulema and Mashaykh from various regions of the country condemned the heinous act. Demanding swift justice, they reiterated that the perpetrators of the Jaranwala incident must face a speedy trial.
Religious scholars, while speaking to the public during Friday sermons, firmly labeled those inciting violence as enemies of Islam and Pakistan.
The Jaranwala incident had deeply saddened and embarrassed the entire nation, with religious scholars asserting that it tarnished the image of Islam, Muslims, and Pakistan.
Emphasizing the responsibility of safeguarding non-Muslims within a Muslim-majority state, Ulema and Mashaykh reminded that protection was a duty shared by the state and its Muslim citizens.
The shocking attack on the Christian community’s sacred places and homes was strongly condemned, with religious leaders highlighting its contradiction to the Najran agreement of the Prophet Muhammad?
Leadership figures, including PUC Chairman and IIHC President, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, played a central role in addressing Friday sermons.
He announced that a delegation of Muslim and Christian leaders would journey to Jaranwala on Saturday, asserting, “We stand as plaintiffs of the Jaranwala tragic incident.”
Moreover, he revealed plans for an upcoming interfaith harmony conference scheduled to be held in Islamabad next week. This conference aimed to devise a significant plan of action in response to the incident and to promote unity among diverse communities, he maintained.
It is noteworthy to mention here that PUC Chairman and IIHC President Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, addressed Friday sermon in Lahore, while Maulana Dr. Abu Bakr Siddique in (Islamabad), Allama Abdul Haq Mujahid (Multan), Maulana Asadullah Farooq, Allama Zubair Abid (Lahore), Maulana Asad Zakaria. (Karachi), Maulana Haq Nawaz Khalid, Maulana Ubaidullah Gormani, Allama Tahirul Hasan (Faisalabad), Maulana Muhammad Shafi Qasmi, Maulana Hanif Usmani (Sahiwal), Maulana Muhammad Asghar Khosa (Dera Ghazi Khan), Maulana Nauman Hasher, Maulana Tahir Aqeel Awan (Rawalpindi), Maulana Abu Bakr Sabri, (Islamabad), Maulana Anwarul Haq Mujahid, Maulana Abdul Malik Asif (Multan), Maulana Aslam Siddiqui, Maulana Abdul Hakeem Athar, Qari Muhammad Aslam Qadri (Lahore), Maulana Muhammad Khurshid Nomani ( Bahawalnagar), Maulana Abdullah Haqqani, Maulana Abdullah Rashidi (Qasur), Maulana Asim Shad, Maulana Abdul Waheed Farooqui (Narwal), Maulana Abu Bakr Hamza (Chakwal), Maulana Habib-ur-Rehman Abid, Maulana Amin-ul-Haq Ashrafi, Maulana Izhar-ul-Haq. Khalid, Sahibzada Hamza Tahirul Hasan (Faisalabad), Maulana Saadullah Ludhianwi (Toba Tek Singh), Maulana Anisur Rehman Baloch (Gujra), Maulana Abdul Rasheed (Hafizabad), Mufti Muhammad Umar Farooq (Khaniwal), Maulana Abdul Ghaffar Shah Hijazi. (Lodhran), Maulana Tanveer Ahmad (Bahawalpur), Maulana Muhammad Ahmad Makki, Maulana Muhammad Ashfaq Patafi (Muzaffargarh), Maulana Kaleemullah Muawiya (Nankana), Maulana Azizur Rahman Muawiya (Talagang), Maulana Aziz Akbar Qasmi (Rajanpur), Maulana Saadullah Shafiq (Rahimyar Khan), Maulana Hussain Ahmed Darkhawasti (Karachi), Maulana Yasir Alvi (Samandari), Qari Abdul Rauf, Maulana Matloob Mahar (Bahalangar), Maulana Zubair Khatana (Gujranwala), Maulana Aqeel Zubiri (Sargodha), Qari Azizur Rahman (Layyah), Maulana Atif Iqbal (Kamalia) and others in their respective areas.
Pakistan Green victorious in throwball exhibition match
ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (APP):Pakistan Green beat Pakistan White by 2-1 in a special exhibition match organized here in connection World Throwball Day.
President, World Throwball Federation, Maqbool Arian who was also the Secretary-General of, the Pakistan Throwball Federation was the chief guest at the game and gave away the prizes to the players.
Speaking on the occasion, he said throwball was being played in 32 countries around world and World Throwball Day is celebrated worldwide on August 17, every year.
Arian said like the rest of the world, World Throwball Day was also celebrated with enthusiasm on August 17 in Pakistan. On the same day, throwball exhibition competitions were held across the country.
He said Pakistan Throwball Federation had issued instructions to all the related organizations, provincial and regional associations associated with the federation in this regard.
Throwball exhibition competitions were also organized in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar, Muzaffarabad, Gilgit and other cities of the country.
Ahmer Saldera bag Azadi Cup Tenpin title
ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (APP):Ahmer Saldera won men’s single titles of the Azadi Cup Tenpin Bowling Tournament- 2023 at Leisure City Bowling Club, Jinnah Park, Rawalpindi.
In Men Single results, Saldera won the men’s single title with 3566 points while Faisal Feroz got 2nd position with 3394 points and Ijaz ur Rehman took the 3rd spot with 3364 points.
In the amateurs event, Zahid Mehmood claimed the first position while Awais Rasheed and Haidar Aziz obtained 2nd and 3rd positions respectively.
In the Master Doubles categories, Aleem Agha and Zahid Mehmood bagged 1st position with 817 points while Ijaz ur ur Rehman and Daniyal Ijaz secured 2nd position with 755 points and Ahmer Saldera and Afzal Akhtar finished 3rd position with 683 points.
At the end of the event, cash prizes and trophies were distributed among the players.
Khurrum Ashfaque appointed CEO Telenor-Pakistan as Irfan Wahab joins team Asia
ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (APP):The Board of Directors of Telenor Pakistan has appointed Khurrum Ashfaque as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company and would succeed Irfan Wahab Khan, who would take a new role as Senior Vice President (SVP) in Telenor Asia.
Irfan Khan would continue as Chair of the Board of Directors at Telenor Microfinance Bank (TMB) and the appointment would be effective from September 15, 2023, according to a news release.
Khurrum came from the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Telenor Pakistan. He has been with the company for 17 years and has played a key role in repositioning it as a strong and efficient company geared for the future.
“I am pleased to see Khurram stepping up and taking the CEO role. His understanding of the company and the Pakistani telecom market is unmatched, and I am confident that he will continue the company’s momentum and bring perspectives that drive operational excellence, empower the organization, and deliver value to customers. I welcome Irfan to the Telenor Asia leadership team in Singapore and am pleased that Telenor would continue to gain from his vast leadership experience,” says Jørgen A. Rostrup, Head of Telenor Asia and Chair of the Board of Telenor Pakistan.
“It’s an honour to take on the role of CEO of Telenor Pakistan. Irfan leaves behind a legacy of innovation and growth, and I am committed to building upon that foundation. As we navigate the evolving telecommunications landscape, my focus will be on empowering our customers and driving digital transformation. Together with our dedicated team, I am confident that we would continue to deliver exceptional services and contribute to Pakistan’s digital future,” says the appointed CEO of Telenor Pakistan.
Commenting on the transition, Irfan Wahab Khan shared, “It has been an incredible journey leading Telenor Pakistan, one marked by dedication, innovation, and the unwavering commitment of our exceptional team. As I move on from this role, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude.
Telenor Pakistan, its people, and the communities we serve will forever hold a special place in my heart. I wish Khurrum the best in his new role and am assured that under his leadership our teams will continue to empower the communities, drive positive change, and impact lives. I am excited and looking forward to contributing to Telenor’s broader regional ambitions with my experiences and insights.”
Irfan joined Telenor in 2004 as the first employee of the company and has held different leadership roles across Telenor Group, both in Europe and Asia. For the last seven years, he has been CEO of the company during which time he has been instrumental in ensuring business resilience and furthering the digitalization agenda.
Section 144 imposed in Dera, Tank to ensure peace
DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Aug 18 (APP):The district administrations of Dera Ismail Khan and Tank have imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in their respective districts, banning gatherings of five or more than five people in order to prevent any untoward incident.
According to notification, the order would remain enforced for a period of five days until August 21 or unless withdrawn or modified, imposing a complete ban on public assemblies, gatherings or rallies.
It says due to prevailing law and orders and the recent surge in terrorist attacks, the ban has been imposed to ensure public peace and tranquillity as there is apprehension that public gatherings, assemblies or rallies may create law and order situations and this may result in any mishap.
It said that anyone found violating the ban would be punished under section 188 P.P.C.
Gold rates up by Rs 300 to Rs 225,300 per tola
ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (APP): The per tola price of 24 karat gold increased by Rs 300 and was sold at Rs 225,300 on Friday compared to its sale at
Rs 225,000 on the previous day.
The price of 10 grams of 24 karat gold also increased by Rs 257 to Rs 193,158 from Rs 192,901 whereas the prices of
10 gram 22 Karat gold went up to Rs 177,063 from Rs 176,826, All Sindh Sarafa Jewellers Association reported.
The price of per tola and ten gram silver remained constant at Rs 2750 and Rs 2357.68 respectively.
The price of gold in the international market decreased by $6 to $1,894 from $1,900, the association reported.
Interior Minister orders to release PTM activists
ISLAMABAD, Aug 18 (APP): Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti on Friday ordered immediate release of the activists of Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) detained in Lahore, Peshawar and other cities.
The minister, in a post on the social media platform X, also thanked the PTM leadership for cooperation with the caretaker government.
He wrote that after successful dialogue (with the government), the PTM leadership agreed to change the venue of their protest from in front of the Supreme Court to the Tarnol area.