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Chairman NPC terms transfering legacy of our forefathers to future generation as national responsibility

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 13 (APP): Chairman Nazaria-i-Pakistan Council (NPC), Mian Mohammad Javed Saturday urged the nation to follow the guiding principles of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and promote the ideology of Pakistan in real spirit.

“I belong to the generation who has witnessed the creation of Pakistan, enthusiasm and countless sacrifices of lives, property and honour for the sake of the country. Women and children were even part of this struggle who fearlessly used to raise the slogans “Ley Key Rahain Gey Pakistan” and “Ban Key Rahey Ga Pakistan”, he said.

In an interview in connection with the Independence Day, falling on August 14, Prof. Javed said, “Independence Day is a perfect time to acknowledge the numerous sacrifices rendered by our forefathers who gifted this homeland, it is our utmost responsibility to make this country strong, invincible and prosperous for the next generations”..

He pointed out, “One thing should be remembered that Pakistan was established through a mass movement under the leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah as per the vision of Allama Muhammad Iqbal to enable Muslims to live with religious and ideological independence.

Pakistanis despite belonging to diverse communities and provinces as well as abroad dream to further strengthen the country’s ideology and make Pakistan an ideal country in the world.

“It is heartening to see that still people have the same enthusiasm and patriotism about running our country according to the principles described by the founder of Pakistan in his speeches however the only need”, he said.

Prof. Javed said that Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, in his speeches, has always advocated the principle of equality and justice to ensure the basic rights and well being of humanity. “Quaid-i-Azam’s thoughts to implement an Islamic democratic system based on equality, justice and human values for all are the beacon of light for the nation”, he said.

“Our forefathers have sacrificed their lives to acquire this homeland on the basis of an ideology and now it is our responsibility to transfer this heritage and ideology to the future generations to make this country a prosperous country”, he said.

About the NPC activities, the chairman said that the council is diligently working on the promotion of the ideology of Pakistan through conducting programmes in educational institutions besides using social media networks in line with modern requirements.

NPC intends to project the image of our leaders and national heroes through educating the youth about their struggles and achievements to enlighten them. “The character building of youth is our national responsibility, as per Quaid’s vision, without which we cannot make them a useful citizens”, he added.

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PNCA to organize grand culture show, exhibition to celebrate Independence Day

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 13 (APP): Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) has planned a series of cultural activities to celebrate Independence Day on August 14.

Director General PNCA Muhammad Ayub Jamali told APP that prominent artists from all four provinces including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu Kashmir would perform in the grand culture show to be held at PNCA auditorium at 7:00 p.m.

The artists including Fazal Jutt, Wahid Bakhsh Faqir, Sajid Ali, Liaqat Ali Baloch, Malangan Group, Zafar Ali and team, Bano Rehmat, Mubashara Hafeez Mesh Baloch, Sunila Baig and Rizwana Khan would present National songs in the grand show.

National Performing Arts Group, PNCA will also present folk and regional dances in the show.

Meanwhile, PNCA in collaboration with ForArtSake would present a painting exhibition by Ali Azmat curated by Amna Pataudi & Dr. Rahat Naveed on August 14.

The show is an ode to the Father of our Nation Muhammad Ali Jinnah on Pakistan’s 76th Independence Anniversary.

The exhibition is a unique visual experience incorporating larger-than-life-size paintings and sketches by Ali Azmat.
The show will remain on display till August 20.

Archbishop urges nation to join hands, in making Pakistan, a prosperous country

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 13 (APP): Archbishop Dr. Joseph Arshad, Bishop of Islamabad-Rawalpindi Diocese believes that the Independence Day (August 14) inspires the entire nation of Pakistan to contribute for the prosperity and development of our beloved country.
On the joyous occasion of the 76th Independence Day of Pakistan, Dr. Joseph Arshad, who was also President of Pakistan Catholic Bishops’ Conference congratulated all the citizens and the whole nation of Pakistan.
He said this day we should also remember the sacrifices of our ancestors who shed their blood for independence.
He said today the hearts and souls of people were passionately filled with sentiments of love, peace and prayers to celebrate the 76th Independence Day of Pakistan.
He was of the view that the Christian leadership also played a key role in the freedom movement of Pakistan which can never be forgotten.
Even after the Independence, the Christian community served the nation in all sectors, especially in health, education and social services which is zealously continued even today.
Arshad said at this difficult time when our country was going through various challenges we should all join hands to make Pakistan a prosperous and exemplary country.
In the end, he prayed that may Almighty God continue to bestow His blessings upon our country and grant us the spirit to work together in unity for the development and prosperity of Pakistan so that all may live together as one nation in love, peace, and harmony.

Embassy of Indonesia promotes prestigious dual degree program from ITB

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 13 (APP): The Embassy of Indonesia in Islamabad organized an informative session for the promotion of a prestigious dual degree program offered by the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) in collaboration with Coventry University, UK at the National Library of Pakistan.

This innovative partnership aimed to provide Pakistani students with a unique opportunity to acquire world-class education on fully-funded scholarships and expertise from two renowned institutions, said a news release issued here on Sunday.

The Ambassador of Indonesia in Pakistan Adam Tugio expressed his enthusiasm for this collaborative initiative stating: “Education is the cornerstone of progress and this dual degree program exemplifies the strong ties between Indonesia and Pakistan. By joining forces with Coventry University, we aim to provide Pakistani students with a global learning experience that equips them with the skills needed to excel in today’s interconnected world.”

Professor Dr Benny Tjahjono, representing Coventry University shared his perspective on the program, “Coventry University is excited to be part of this collaborative effort with ITB.”

He said, “The dual degree program brings together the strengths of two distinguished institutions, offering students a comprehensive and diverse education that transcends borders.”

“We look forward to welcoming Pakistani students and contributing to their academic and personal growth.”, he added.

Assistant Professor, Dr Yuliani Dwi Lestari said, “ITB has a long-standing commitment to academic excellence and innovation. Through this dual degree program, we aim to foster a dynamic learning environment where Pakistani students can engage with a global network of peers and professors. This collaboration aligns with our vision to create well-rounded graduates who are equipped to address complex challenges.”

She further said, “Students admitted to this program will benefit from a comprehensive curriculum that combines the academic strengths of both institutions.”

“This program will offer a diverse range of disciplines, including engineering, technology, business, and the sciences.”

“Through this partnership, students will be able to gain valuable insights and perspectives from two distinct academic environments, enhancing their cross-cultural competencies and preparing them for international careers,” she added.

The event concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session.

Students from different universities attended the session with a keen interest in the program.

The Bandung Institute of Technology and Coventry University dual degree program will enable students to spend portions of their academic journey at both campuses, gaining exposure to different teaching methods, research opportunities, and cultural experiences.

This dynamic opportunity will enrich their education and contribute to their personal and professional growth.

Independence Day celebrations; Police finalize strict security arrangements for Murree

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RAWALPINDI, Aug 13 (APP): A comprehensive security and traffic plan has been devised by Rawalpindi District Police for Independence Day that includes the deployment of more than 800 personnel during the night of August 13 and 14 as well as the establishment of several checkpoints to control one-wheeling in Murree.

The district and traffic police would implement special security and traffic arrangements for Murree to facilitate the tourists coming to the hill station to celebrate the Independence Day.

According to a district administration spokesman, depending upon the crowd and parking situation, the entry of vehicles would be restricted in Murree.

Special police squads had been formed to prevent one-wheeling and maintain traffic in Murree, he said.

As many as 38 pickets and six special squads had also been formed to prevent one-wheeling and car-skating in Rawalpindi city which would be in full action on the night of August 13 and August 14 and the violators would be sent behind the bars, he added.

The spokesman said that special arrangements had been made for Murree with the establishment of special pickets at all entrances of the hill station to prevent one-wheeling and implement the orders of the district administration.

Chief Traffic Officer Rawalpindi Taimoor Khan had directed the authorities concerned to take strict action against one-wheelers, and no negligence would be tolerated in this regard, he added.

He said that on the occasion of Independence Day, no one would be allowed to take the law into their hands and hooliganism and road blocking would not be tolerated under any circumstances.

He appealed to the parents to keep an eye on their children and avoid giving them a bike or car so that they don’t face any legal trouble.

Meanwhile, Rescue-1122 Murree has also chalked out an emergency plan to handle any emergency, if any.

As part of the plan, all emergency vehicles would be deployed at strategic locations keeping in mind the timely response at different places.

Dial 1122 immediately in urban emergency, rescuers along with 16 ambulances, seven fire vehicles, two rescue vehicles and 20 rescue bikes are on high alert in Murree district.

No negligence would be tolerated in emergency response. Permanent rescue stations set up in Murree, Bypass Road, Pindi Point, GT Road, Chhra Pani, Sattra Mile, Expressway, New Murree, Khajat Expressway, Upper Jehkagli Road, Kalimti Barian Road and Upper Deol Road Osiya.

Facilitation centres have been established by the district administration as per emergency plan at Masyadi Chowk Expressway, Lower Topa, Jhikagali, Kaldna Chowk, GPO Chowk, Kashmir Point, Chhatra GT Road, Mall Road Murree, Kali Mati and Tourist Place.

Rescue personnel would also perform their duties at New Murree.

A district administration spokesman informed that the caretaker Chief Minister (CM) Punjab on Saturday visited Murree and reviewed arrangements finalized by the administration for Independence Day, August 14.

A special meeting regarding Independence Day arrangements was held at Government House Murree which was chaired by Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi. The CM during the meeting reviewed all the arrangements in detail finalized for August 14.

The CM during a briefing was informed that nearly 400,000 tourists are expected to visit Murree during next 48 hours.

In the meeting, the detailed traffic management plan regarding Independence Day was also reviewed.

Commissioner Rawalpindi Division giving a briefing informed the CM about the fireworks show on August 13 and 14 and a music program being organized on August 14 to celebrate Independence Day.

A fireworks show would be organized at Murree Kashmir Point on Independence Day night, the Commissioner said adding, there would also be fireworks and musical shows at parks and other tourist spots.

Best possible arrangements should be made to facilitate the tourists in Murree on Independence Day, Mohsin Naqvi ordered.

Shahzad Ali extends greetings to Senator Anwar Ul Haq on his nomination as caretaker Prime Minister

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ISLAMABAD, Aug 13 (APP): Chairman Pakistan Hitech Hybrid Seed Association (PHHSA) Shahzad Ali Malik on Sunday warmly greeted Senator Anwar ul Haq Kakar on his nomination as caretaker Prime Minister.

He expressed confidence in Anwar ul Haq Kakar’s ability to guide the nation through the transitional phase with diligence and determination, as seen throughout his political career, said a news release issued here.

Shahzad Ali said may his term as caretaker Prime Minister be marked by unity, progress and a steadfast commitment to the betterment of our country.

He said his appointment is a testament to the trust and respect you have garnered from your colleagues and constituents alike.

He said his track record of leadership, wisdom, and integrity has not gone unnoticed by the citizens of our country.

He hoped all out efforts will be made to stabilise the bleak economy by taking all stakeholders into confidence to make practically viable and result-oriented tailored transparent monetary policies.

He said a consistent economic growth strategy is the need of the hour in addition to boosting exports as a top priority.

Shahzad Ali Malik Sitara said the business community will cooperate with new top leadership led by Anwar ul Haq Kakar to help steer the country out of the economic quagmire.

All set to celebrate 76th Independence Day on Monday in befitting manner

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RAWALPINDI, Aug 13 (APP): The Rawalpindi district administration, police and the citizens are all set to celebrate the 76th Independence Day on Monday with great enthusiasm and national zeal as all the preparations including tight security arrangements have been finalized.
Rawalpindi District Administration, District Police, City Traffic Police, Punjab Emergency Service, Rescue-1122, Civil Defence and other departments concerned have finalized all the arrangements in this regard.
Commissioner Rawalpindi Division had directed all the departments to ensure Independence Day celebrations in a dignified manner.
Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) on the directives of Chief Secretary Punjab, Zahid Akhtar Zaman was finalizing all the arrangements to celebrate the Independence Day.
Director General (DG) RDA Saif Anwar Jappa had directed the authorities concerned that the markets, plazas, shops and roads particularly Murree Road from Chandni Chowk to Faizabad and Airport Road should be decorated with national flags, buntings, paintings and colourful lights.
He directed all RDA and WASA officers to finalize the best possible arrangements for the day.
With the start of August, Jashan-e-Azadi preparations were started here in every nook and corner of the city to celebrate Independence Day with great enthusiasm and national fervour.
All the main buildings including Rawalpindi Railway Station, Rawalpindi and Chaklala Cantonment Board offices, Askari Plaza, Mall Road, Metro Track, Murree Road, RDA, WASA and PHA buildings, National Bank Saddar Main Branch, Bank Road, Mall Road and several other areas were beautifully decorated to mark the Independence Day.
The buildings were illuminated and a number of colourful activities have also been planned to mark this occasion with great enthusiasm.
Different public and private departments would hold special functions and activities including seminars, discussion programmes, photographic exhibitions, painting, poetry, national songs and debate competitions with the focus on acknowledging the contribution of leaders of Pakistan movement and sacrifices of national heroes.
The printers and makers of buntings, flags, banners and badges are fully engaged in their business.
Jashan-e-Azadi preparations reached at its peak on Sunday as the citizens were getting ready to celebrate the Independence Day with zeal and zest.
Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) is arranging exhibitions and other activities to mark Independence Day.
According to roadside vendors, the most enthusiastic are the children who are busy in collecting badges and also beautifying their bicycles with special stickers inscribed with messages of Independence Day.
A vendor, Mushtaq near Sixth Road said the demand for the national flag and badges was on the rise after Aug 10, adding that most of the motorists were buying flags to hoist on their vehicles.
Another seller in Committee Chowk area namely Hamid said that like every year, this year too the vendors at their stalls on footpaths were doing a roaring business and trying to sell whatever they had as the entire inventory would go waste on August 15. The shopkeepers and footpath vendors had set up their temporary stalls in almost all areas of the town with the start of August where people were seen busy in buying things at cheaper rates.
A large number of stalls with buntings, flags, badges and other items were established in several city markets including Tench Bhatta, Lalkurti, Saddar, Moti, Raja and Urdu Bazaars, Benazir Bhutto Road, Bunni Market, Satellite Town, Sadiqabad and other areas of the city.
Nowadays, national songs are in the air which gives the message that whole the nation is united.
Many food outlets have offered ‘Azadi’ deals with special discounts to attract food lovers while different boutiques and shops also offered a huge variety of ‘Azadi’ dresses.
According to a Rawalpindi district police spokesman, police had finalized all the arrangements to beef up security on Jashan-e-Azadi while over 4000 cops were deployed under the security plan devised for Independence Day.
They were being supported by members of the Elite Force, Women Police officers and officials from the special branch.
Special temporary pickets were also set up for snap checking and for cordoning off sensitive areas.
Police officers were also deputed on parks and entertainment spots in the city. There were enhanced patrolling from police officers, members of the elite force, Muhafiz Squads and Dolphin Force.
The City Police Officer, Syed Khalid Mehmood Hamdani urged the public not to indulge in any illegal activities on Independence Day such as aerial firing, one-wheeling and rash driving.
The police spokesperson said Elite Force, Muhafiz Force and Dolphin Force were patrolling the roads and streets while traffic officials were regulating traffic round the clock.
The spokesman informed that special security arrangements had also been finalized for Murree.
City Traffic Police (CTP) issued a traffic plan to facilitate commuters and the general public on Pakistan Independence Day.
According to Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Rawalpindi Tamoor Khan, 34 special pickets had been erected in the city and on entry points of Murree to thwart one-wheeling on the eve of August 14 and strict action would be taken against one-wheelers.
He said the extra force of traffic wardens had been deployed on all the roads and in Murree to handle the traffic load on August 14. Over 800 traffic officials would be on special duty while on Sunday night.
The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) will organize a musical night and fireworks show at Liaquat Bagh on Sunday night, August 13.
Cantonment Executive Officer Imran Gulzar said the Cantt would celebrate Independence Day with the same zeal as it celebrated it in the past.
National flags would be hoisted on the cantonment board office building, PIA Building, AWT Plaza, State Life Building, Mall Plaza, Mall Business Centre and other buildings on Mall Road.
Pakistan Railways has also decorated the railway station building and the superintendent’s office building with lights, flags, and other national symbols.
The business community was also actively taking part in the Independence Day celebrations and decorating markets and roads.
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Waste Recycling – An emerging future business

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By Ali Jabir/Aftab Zahoor

LAHORE, Aug 13 (APP): Pakistan is grappling with the whooping impacts of environmental degradation and global warming casting formidable changes to environment and natural habitats of the country.

Most of its freshwater reserves are getting polluted with solid waste as it generates around 30 million metric tons of municipal solid waste per year with only its 50% getting collected.

In the middle of this climate crisis the light at the end of the tunnel is ‘plastics’, recycling of single-use items leftover into reusable products and industrial raw materials turns the tide in the shape of a sustainable solution to the issue.

Since Pakistan is far behind the developed nations in waste recycling some scattered initiatives by companies and individuals showing a ray of hope about using solid waste for positive purposes.

The most polluted city during smog season, Lahore, has championed recycling the increasing solid waste generated in the walled city paving the way for young innovators and fledgling startups to exploit the untapped black gold of solid waste for eco-friendly solutions.

Mentioning Greed Earth Recycling, Lasani Fiber Industries and Tetra Pak as pioneers in this business would not be out of context they are aggressively working on waste recycling into reusable eco-friendly material.

“We produce multiple daily use items like benches, tables, wracks, makeshift bathrooms etc from plastic waste. Our products are not only used locally but also exported to other countries,” said Bilal Ahmed, Business Head of Green Earth Recycling project.

“We also produce manhole covers from plastic waste and have installed 350 at Lahore’s,” he informed. “The company was also selling six-layer wood pulp extracted from Tetra Pak for Rs 100 per kg that has four layers of plastics, one of aluminum and one of paper.”

He said the machinery used at the project was previously imported from Germany, China and Taiwan but now we are also focusing on indigenization. “Our products are environment friendly as we do not use any chemical during processing and segregation of plastics for recycling.”

Bilal Ahmed stated that the Company also creates staple fiber from plastic bottles to prepare non-concrete and water, snow and pests resistant washrooms and kitchens, comprising 95% recycled material.

As International Tetra Pak acknowledges Green Earth as the first company to give solutions to Tetra Pak recycling, the company has the capacity to recycle 450 tons of different types of plastic waste and 100 tons of packaging material.

As less heed was often paid to this sector, the Institute of Urbanism (IoU) and Heinrich Böll Stiftung took an initiative to provide firsthand knowledge to opinion makers about waste collection, landfill sites and waste recycling during their visit to Mahmood Booti and Lakhodair dumping sites.

Lasani Fiber Industries is another leading company in plastic bottles recycling and manufacturing regenerated, recycled or carded polyester fiber from PET bottles.

“Last year we recycled approximately more than 18000 metric tons (Six million) bottles. One of our collection site is Pepsico factories as we are also working with Coca-cola, Nestle and others,” informed an official of the company.

“Our company prepares 32 products from PET bottles also having a capacity of daily producing 55 tons of polyester fiber,” he said and informed that some 11,000 tons of PET bottles were recycled from January 2023 to July 2023 although 170,000 Mt bottles were annually produced in Pakistan for beverages industry.

Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) is another entity functioning in the city for waste collection and disposal in Lahore.

“LWMC is the largest public enterprise engaged in waste collection, transportation and its scientific disposal,” stated the company CEO, Babar Sahibdin.
“However waste segregation at source and enclosures were being modeled with the help Non-Governmental Organization NGOs.”

He said a memorandum of understanding was signed with the Harvard University and LUMS to conduct research on waste management solutions. “We have digitized our fleet by using Artificial Intelligence with the help of LUMS to optimize its capability.”

The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) was also engaged in developing an application to manage large-scale staff through geo-fencing and face recognition, he said.

“We have developed a model of proper charging for waste collection as presently we charge a nominal Rs 50 per month from a commercial enterprise like shop and a tipping fee of Rs 700 per ton for dumping waste at LWMC sites,” Babar said.

He also informed that the Company with the cooperation of all universities is working on smart dumpsters or bins that can gauge waste level or stink to be collected through a technology-based solution.

“We are working with a Ukrainian company ONVI for metal recycling and also floated an EOI with the Punjab Power Development Company for a feasibility of 50MW energy production by recycling 3000 tons waste,” he said.

Since the country generates millions of tons recyclable solid waste annually, there is a dire need for evolving a mechanism to fully capitalize the waste recycling potential in the country as practiced by developed nations.

This exercise would not only ensure a cleaner environment in the country but also propose alternate options for energy generation and manufacturing other environment-friendly products.

Waziristan Independence Day Jeep Rally kicks off from Peshawar

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PESHAWAR, Aug 13 (APP): Waziristan Independence Day Jeep Rally organized by the Department of Tourism Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Culture and Tourism Authority got underway from Peshawar Sports Complex amidst great enthusiasm.

“The rally starts its journey toward scenic Waziristan’s Razmak Valley and then to Gomalzam Dam in Waziristan. More than 50 4×4 jeeps from all over the country are participating in the rally,” DG Tourism Authority Barkatullah Marwat told APP soon after the departure of the Jeeps Rally.

“The race will be held on August 14 on a 7 km track at Gomal Zam Dam, DG Tourism Authority Barkat Ullah Marwat informed.

“The race consists of three different categories,” he said.

“Race jeeps in the A category, 2000 cc and above in the B category, and 2000 cc jeeps in the C category will participate,” Barkatullah Marwat said.

He said, “To celebrate Pakistan’s 76th Independence Day celebrations are also being continued in the adjoining districts.”

He said, “Steps have been taken to promote tourism in the merged districts and through this way, the same will be highlighted to the rest of the world and with these local and foreign tourists.”

“Through this way, construction of the building, rest houses, and rest areas in the merged districts have also been planned so that to ensure facilitation to the tourists on a permanent basis,” Marwat added.

PM felicitates Anwaar ul Haq Kakar on his appointment as Caretaker PM

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LAHORE, Aug 13 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday congratulated Anwaarul Haq Kakar on his appointment as Caretaker Prime Minister and expressed the confidence that he would ensure holding of free, fair and impartial elections in the country.

The prime minister said that trust reposed by all parties in Kakar’s name proved their proper choice as the upcoming caretaker PM was an educated person and patriot.

He said that under a constitutional process, they agreed upon the name of a suitable person and thanked former leader of opposition in the National Assembly Raja Riaz for holding a consultation in this regard, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

During the last 16 months, they had struggled to bring economic stability in the country, he said hoping that continuity of such process would be maintained.

The prime minister said ensuring progress, prosperity and economic stability were critical for the progress and development of the nation.

He also prayed for the success of his caretaker successor and the upcoming caretaker set up.