PAL hosts introductory session of Mazhar-ul-Islam’s new novel

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Wed, 26 Jul 2023, 11:29 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jul 26 (APP): Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) in collaboration with Parveen Shakir Trust on Wednesday hosted an introductory session of renowned novelist Mazhar-ul-Islam’s new novel “Saras Crane Apny Khawaboen Say Urh K Ja Chukay Hain” here at Faiz Ahmad Faiz Auditorium.

A large number of art lovers including literary people, citizens and government officials graced the event, said a press release.

Mazhar-ul-Islam, former DG of PAL Academy, is an internationally renowned short story writer. “Saras Crane Apny Khawaboen Say Urh K Ja Chukay Hain” is Mazhar’s 11th novel. He also had a long acquaintance with Perveen Shakir herself.

Secretary, Ministry of National Heritage and Culture Fareena Mazhar. She is a long-time member of the Perveen Shakir Trust.

On behalf of Perveen Shakir Trust, we appreciate Fareena’s several qualities including her charming personality and achievements, both in her career and currently in the realm of Pakistani culture.

Pakistan slams Indian defence minister’s provocative remarks

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Irfan Khan

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Wed, 26 Jul 2023, 11:21 PM

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ISLAMABAD, July 26 (APP): Pakistan on Wednesday condemned the provocative remarks made by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in Drass, Ladakh, boasting readiness to cross the Line of Control and reminded the Indian leadership that it was fully capable of defending against any aggression.

“We counsel India to exercise utmost caution as its belligerent rhetoric is a threat to the regional peace and stability, and contributes to destabilizing the strategic environment in South Asia,” the Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press statement.

This was not the first time that India’s political leaders and senior military officers had made highly irresponsible remarks about Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

“This kind of jingoistic statements must stop. The Indian leadership is reminded that Pakistan is fully capable of defending itself against any aggression,” it was added.

The spokesperson further said that the practice of dragging Pakistan into India’s populist public discourse, with a view to stoking hyper-nationalism and reaping electoral gains, needed to end.

Everything from history to law and from morality to the situation on the ground belied India’s claims about Jammu and Kashmir, which was an internationally-recognized disputed territory.

The relevant UN Security Council resolutions stipulated that the final disposition of the territory would be made in accordance with the will of the people expressed through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite conducted under the auspices of the United Nations.

“India would be well-advised to faithfully implement these resolutions, rather than entertaining any notions of grandeur,” the spokesperson further said.

The Indian media quoted Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as saying that if need arose, the Indian army would not hesitate to cross the Line of Control.

Narendra Modi led government was very clear and gave free hand to its armed forces to launch operations across the border, he boasted on Wednesday during his visit to Ladakh.

NA body to summon RPO, DG FIA in IUB scandal

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NNPS Desk

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Wed, 26 Jul 2023, 11:01 PM

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18 private member bills related to setting up new universities landed in NA

ISLAMABAD, Jul 26 (APP): Expressing serious concerns over the unfortunate incident in the Islamia University Bahawalpur (IUB) the National Assembly Standing Committee on Federal Education decided to summon Regional Police Officer (RPO) Bahawalpur and Director General Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing in its next meeting.

The decision was taken during the 43rd meeting of the Committee that met here with Makhdoom Syed Sami-ul-Hassan Gilani in the chair.

The IUB deputy registrar informed the Committee that the Chief Security Officer of the varsity has been suspended and was in judicial remand.

The Committee directed the management of the IUB to submit details at the next meeting.

The Chairman HEC informed the Committee that a high-powered committee was being constituted with three VCs and some officers from security agencies to investigate the issue while a special audit and performance audit of IUB will also be conducted in the near future.

The Committee, endorsing the suggestion of the Chairman HEC, directed to expedite the process.

On the agenda relating to the presentation of a report on the last syndicate meeting of IUB by the Vice Chancellor, Islamia University, Bahawalpur, the Deputy Registrar informed the Committee that DPO Bahawalpur was requested to lodge FIR against Syed Ali Hassan Gillani, however, the DPO has advised to refer the case to Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE), Punjab.

The Committee, endorsing the viewpoint of the DPO, directed the deputy registrar to forward the case to the ACE Punjab under-report to it as well as the HEC.

On the agenda item concerning the employees working under the wedlock policy, the Deputy DG FDE was directed by the Committee to submit a report on NOCs issued by them along with a record of the employees.

On the agenda regarding briefing by Vice Chancellor, Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), Islamabad, regarding the case of Mr Akhtar Malik, Assistant Professor, Pak Studies (AIOU), the Allama Iqbal Open University representatives apprised the Committee that there is no case on record of Malik Akhtar.

Moreover, there aren’t any promotions done by University and, as asked by the Committee, five years’ record has been submitted to the committee.

The Committee inquired about the criteria for promotion. To which, the University representatives responded that there is an internal selection board for hiring.

Furthermore, University has its own Act and policy for regularization and promotion and till now there are a total of 1020 appointments from Grades 2-20.

Meanwhile, on the agenda on Promotions in FDE, from Assistant Director to Deputy Director, Section Officer Promotions, apprised the Committee that the Officer has to complete five years in BS-17 and thereafter the Officer is promoted in BS-18.

The Committee directed the Secretary to look into the matter and submit a report in the next meeting.

Among other MNAs Nisar Ahmad Cheema, Ch. Muhammad Hamid Hameed, Kiran Imran Dar, Zahra Wadood Fatemi, Musarrat Rafiq Mahesar, Dr Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Farukh Khan, and officers from the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, Chairman HEC, and other departments were present in the meeting.

WFP unveils 5-year strategic uplift plan for AJK

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NNPS Desk

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Wed, 26 Jul 2023, 10:55 PM

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WFP unveils 5-year strategic uplift plan for AJK

ISLAMABAD, Jul 26 (APP): The World Food Program (WFP) Country Director Chris Kaye called on Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq on Wednesday and discussed the WFP’s Strategic Plan (2023–27) designed for AJK.

According to a statement released by AJK Prime Minister’s office, the meeting, held at Jammu Kashmir House in the federal metropolis and covered an integrated plan that includes comprehensive planning for various sectors in AJK, said a press release.

The discussions focused on potential cooperation in different sectors to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including poverty and hunger eradication, environmental pollution control, quality education, healthcare, and access to food.

One of the key points of agreement during the meeting was to enhance the management information systems with the support of the WFP. Additionally, the WFP is committed to providing support for community development, nutrition programs, and wheat flour fortification. Furthermore, the program will extend school meal services to schoolchildren in AJK.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq assured the WFP delegates of his government’s full support and assistance in establishing the World Food Program office in AJK.

He emphasized the government’s willingness to provide all necessary support to UN development organizations seeking to establish their offices in Muzaffarabad.

Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq expressed gratitude for the WFP’s longstanding contributions to the region.
The organization’s activities in Azad Kashmir over the past several decades have played a crucial role in the development of various sectors. He conveyed optimism that the WFP will continue to provide support in the future.

A documentary showcasing the vision of Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq and the development projects in Azad Kashmir was presented during the meeting. Additionally, the prime minister presented a souvenir to the WFP Country Director, Chris Kaye.

Senior Minister, Finance Minister Col. (R) Waqar Ahmad Noor, Additional Chief Secretary Development/Principal Secretary Fayyaz Ali Abbasi, and WFP officials were also present at the occasion.

Economic progress linked with business community’s performance: PM

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Irfan Khan

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Wed, 26 Jul 2023, 10:47 PM

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ISLAMABAD, July 26 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said that while it was the government’s responsibility to provide an enabling environment and maximum facilitation, the economic progress of the country was linked with the business community’s performance and output.

On his Twitter handle, the prime minister referred to his interaction with the business community during his meetings with Karachi Chambers of Commerce & Industry and Pakistan Business Council earlier today.

He said it was his message that being captains of trade and industry, they needed to raise the bar high and unlock the vast untapped economic potential through entrepreneurship, innovation and bold thinking.

In my interaction with the business community during meetings with Karachi Chambers of Commerce & Industry and Pakistan Business Council earlier today, my message was that while it is the government's responsibility to provide an enabling environment & maximum facilitation, the… pic.twitter.com/zvBr9JW9Ro
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) July 26, 2023

“I listed the steps my government took over the course of 16 months to stabilise the economy, fix the energy shortages, improve financial governance and lay the foundation-stone for economic turnaround under the Special Investment Facilitation Council framework,” he added.

There was no denying the fact that the business community had performed against serious odds, he said, adding that their resilience in the face of the challenges was something that they were proud of.

“My idea of national development is inclusive, which is marked by a participatory approach, one to which all stakeholders can contribute. I am convinced that the solution to our problem lies in achieving economic self-reliance,” the prime minister posted in a tweet.