Profile of Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar
ISLAMABAD, Aug 14 (APP):Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar took oath of office as the 8th caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan on August 14, 2023.
He was elected as an independent Senator from Balochistan province for a tenure of March 2018 to March 2024.
He is also one of the founding members of Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and was appointed as the central spokesperson of the party in 2018. While serving as Senator, he was the chairman of Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development and as a member of the Business Advisory Committee, Finance and Revenue, Foreign Affairs, and Science and Technology. Earlier, he served as spokesman for the government of Balochistan from December 2015 to January 2018.
An avid intellectual, with keen insight on the issues faced by Pakistan, particularly Balochistan province, Mr Kakar has been sharing his perspective at academic and policy making platforms, both nationally and internationally. These include interactions with students and faculty members at Pakistan’s top-ranking universities, closed door sessions with the country’s policy makers, briefings to the country’s political and military elite, sessions on building the Balochistan narrative with the diplomatic corps based in Islamabad, as well as a significant number of nationally televised political talk shows.
Born in 1971, he hails from Muslim Bagh, Killa Saifullah district of Balochistan. Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar holds a Master’s degree in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Balochistan. He is an alumnus of the prestigious National Security Workshop from the National Defence University, Islamabad. He is also Patron-in-Chief of the Voice of Balochistan, an independent perception building initiative he masterminded. Mr. Kakar is fluent in English, Urdu, Persian, Pashto, Balochi and Brahvi.
76th anniversary of Independence Day celebrated In New Delhi
NEW DELHI, Aug 14 (APP):High Commission for Pakistan here celebrated 76th anniversary of Independence of Pakistan with national zeal and patriotic spirit on Monday.
Aizaz Khan, Chargé d’ Affaires, hoisted the national flag on the occasion. Officers and staff of the High Commission along with their families were present. Messages of the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out to the audience.
The Charge d’ Affaires in his remarks paid rich tribute to the Father of the Nation, Quaid- e- Azam, Muhammad Ali Jinnah and other leaders of freedom struggle, who carved out a separate homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent, where they could live in accordance with their own values and traditions. He stated that supreme sacrifices rendered by our founding fathers could not be forgotten. He added that we could achieve new heights of greatness and prosperity for our country, if we remain united as a nation and focus our efforts towards economic progress and social justice.
Recounting the great sacrifices of armed forces of Pakistan in the defence of the motherland, the Cd’A paid homage to the brave sons of soil and martyrs. Aizaz Khan said that Pakistan is a proponent of peace in the world and the region, and seeks peaceful relations with all neighbouring countries including India. However, for sustainable peace in South Asia, it is imperative to resolve the core issue of Kashmir as per relevant resolutions of the United Nations and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, the Cd’A emphasised.
Dressed in green and white, the children of Pakistan High Commission’s officials, gave a beautiful performance on the national songs and delivered speeches, highlighting the historic struggle for the creation of Pakistan.
At the end of the ceremony, prizes and gifts were distributed among the children. A special cake was also cut on the occasion.
CM Murad performs soft launch of Karachi safe city
KARACHI, Aug 14 (APP): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that the Karachi Safe City Project is not just a collection of surveillance cameras and technological advancements; but it also embodies our collective aspiration for a safer and more secure environment.
This he said while speaking at the contract signing ceremony of Integrated C5ISR Based (Command, Control, Communication, Computer, Cyber Security, Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance) Safe City Project here at the CM House on Monday.
The program was attended by former IT Minister Taimur Talpur, Chief Secretary Sohail Rajput, IG Police Ghulam Nabi Memon, MD NRTC Brig Asim Ishaq Chairman P&D, Secretary LG Najam Shah, Home Secretary Aijaz Shah, DG Safe City Authority Asif Aijaz Shaikh, and others.
Mr. Shah said that the Karachi Safe City Project was not merely the installation of surveillance cameras and adopting technological advancements, but it also embodied our collective aspiration for a safer and more secure urban environment.
“With the challenges that a rapidly growing city like Karachi faces, it is our duty to ensure that every citizen must feel safe and secure and this project brings us one step closer to achieving that goal,” he said.
The CM said that he was aware of the urgency attached to this project. “The safety and well-being of our citizens cannot wait, and we must remain steadfast in our pursuit of its successful implementation,” he said.
“I am honored to launch the much-awaited launch of the safe city project before leaving the charge of this office,” he said and added that it was a testament to the foresight and dedication of the Sindh government.
Mr. Shah said that the Sindh Safe Cities Authority board and its director general and NRTC have worked hard to make the project a reality.
Murad Ali Shah said that his government has always placed the needs and aspirations of our citizens at the forefront of its agenda. “We understand the challenges faced by our cities in this rapidly evolving world, and we are not merely content with acknowledging these challenges, but we strive to confront them head-on, with determination and innovation.
The CM said that the Safe City Project would enhance law enforcement capabilities, improve emergency response times, and deter criminal activities. He said that the integrated approach aligned with our commitment to creating a city that was not only prosperous but also safe for all its residents.
Mr. Shah said that the Safe City Project was truly a one-of-a-kind initiative, distinguished not only by its scale but also by the intricate technical complexities it encompasses. “As we stand on the cusp of its launch, we can take pride in our collective efforts to overcome these hurdles and bring this visionary project to fruition.,” he said.
The CM extended his gratitude to all the stakeholders involved in this endeavor, including government officials and law enforcement agencies, technical experts, and project teams. “Your dedication and hard work are integral to the success of the Safe City Karachi Project,” he said.
The citizens of Karachi are eagerly looking forward to the enhanced safety and security that this project promises, the CM said, and added their trust was a responsibility we must uphold.
Therefore, I kindly request DG Sindh Safe Cities Authority and MD NRTC to keep a keen focus on meeting the project’s timeliness while maintaining the highest standards of quality.
CM launches C-Art Korangi to provide psychological assessment, behavior therapy
KARACHI, Aug 14 (APP): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah inaugurated a newly established unit of the Center of Autism & Rehabilitation Training (C-ART) established by the Sindh Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities at the Government Special Education & Rehabilitation Centre, Orangi.
The foundation stone of this building was laid by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto back on 27 December 1994 and it was inaugurated on July 16, 1999. The total covered area of the building spans over 1.90 acres of land (22064 sq. A.).
Murad Shah said that keeping in view the need of the day, along with the services being provided currently by the Special Education & Rehabilitation Centre, Orangi Town, it was proposed to commence Rehabilitation Services for Autistic and Autism Spectrum Disordered disabled children. Services to be rendered through C-ARTS include Rehabilitation Program, Pilot Inclusion Program.
The services it would provide, include Clinics, Psychological Assessment, Behavior Therapy, Socio-Economic Communication Program, Life-Skills Program, Sensory Integration, Physiotherapy, and Skills Training (Sports, Vocational Training, Computer Training, Arts & Music Training).
A total of 150 autistic children will be enrolled in this new unit that boasts 14 rooms each on the Ground and First Floor with separate administrative offices. The center is equipped with a huge verandah, sports playground, and all essential utilities including a dedicated PMT, standby generator, and other facilities.
The Chief Minister was impressed by the dedicated efforts of the staff in bringing the expansion dream to reality.
The event concluded with the award of shields and certificates to all Guests of Honors presented by the Chief Guest- Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah.