CEO PIA calls on Finance Minister

By

-

Sat, 22 Jul 2023, 7:10 PM

ISLAMABAD, Jul 22 (APP):Minister for Finance Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar here on Saturday expressed the firm commitment of the government to provide maximum support to Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) for the improvement of its services in order to make it a profit-oriented entity for the country.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PIA Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Amir Hayat met with Finance Minister and discussed matters related to PIA, besides requesting further financial support from the government.

The Finance Minister expressed his commitment to provide maximum support for the improvement of PIA and also indicated full support from Aviation Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique to improve PIA’s performance and start PIA flights to Europe as soon as possible.

Govt taking measures to facilitate special persons: President Alvi

By

Munir Hussain

-

Sat, 22 Jul 2023, 7:09 PM

0

ISLAMABAD, Jul 22 (APP):President Dr Arif Alvi Saturday said the government was taking measures to make persons with disabilities productive citizens of the society.

In a video message for special persons with disabilities, he said in Pakistan 10 to 12 persons were disabled who needed to be facilitated by society.
He said those with mental and physical deficiencies and those who could not see, hear and speak should be given admission in regular schools where they could be not denied admission legally.

He said legislation had been enacted at the federal and provincial levels to provide special persons job opportunities in public and private sectors so that these people could become self-sufficient and take benefit from their skills.
He said National Vocational and Technical Training Commission and Technical and Vocational Training Authority were arranging for training of persons with disabilities in 140 fields so that they could improve their skills and get suitable jobs.
It should be determined that the persons with disabilities could get what kind of jobs in different institutions and companies so that they could get be facilitated in finding employment.
He said these special persons were also getting free education in universities, medical facilities and relaxation in fares for travelling.
The disabled persons needed certificate and identity card from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to avail these facilities, he said adding NADRA was issuing a certificate to youth aged 9 to 18, in which his disability was mentioned.
The President said the certificate from NADRA would help special persons in getting jobs, loans from banks and facilities available in the public sector.
He appealed to the business community to follow the law and provide job opportunities to people with disabilities.
Ramps should be made for special persons in buildings and on roads so that they were able to move around easily and better play their role in society, he concluded.

During PTI’s era, media faced gag, effort made to impose black law to curb its freedom: Marriyum

By

NNPS Desk

-

Sat, 22 Jul 2023, 6:56 PM

0

info-pc — ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb addressing a press conference. APP

ISLAMABAD, Jul 22 (APP): Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb said on Saturday restrictions were imposed on the media due to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority’s (PEMRA) order, during the PTI’s era, they tried to bring the Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority black law, which was opposed by all political parties and media organizations.

“PEMRA Amendment Bill 2023 is the bill not of the government, this is a bill of Pakistan, the people of Pakistan, the media and journalists, in which the rights of journalists are protected. It includes the representation of journalistic organizations, and they are empowered to make decisions”, the minister said while addressing a press conference here.

She said that there were 140 channels licensed by PEMRA in Pakistan, among them 35 were news and current affairs channels, 52 entertainment channels, 25 regional channels, 6 non-commercial and education channels, 5 sports channels, 7 health and agro channels, and 10 education commercial channels.

The minister said that PEMRA Ordinance was promulgated in 2002 and now in 2023, the media landscape had changed and it become so diverse.

“We are all going through a new era of social media where new platforms have been introduced to express opinions, all these channels are present on cyberspace and social media”, she added.

Marriyum said that during the last four years of PTI, there was censorship on the media and the former Prime Minister Imran Khan got the title of “media predator”, adding the title was not given to him by his political rivals or any organization of Pakistan, but by international journalistic organizations keeping in view the freedom of expression in Pakistan.

At that time, the programs running at that time were stopped, journalists and news channels were banned, she added.

She said that in the past, firing was done on journalists, they were kidnapped and tortured , their programs were stopped and they were sent to jails.

Citing the example of Mir Shakeel-ur-Rehman, she said that he was arrested in a case in which everyone had now been acquitted.

By sending him to jail in the NAB case, Imran Khan gave a message that if he could go to jail, then other media house owners and journalists could also be prosecuted, she opined.

The minister said during PTI’s tenure, the then information minister used to slap journalists, he used to threaten journalists and media organizations to support the draconian PMDA law.

Marriyum said that last year, when she was appointed Minister of Information, she held first meeting with the Joint Action Committee on 23rd April 2022.

Representatives of PBA, APNS, CPNE, AMEND and PFUJ were included in the joint action committee.
The minister said that the laws regarding the rights of journalists, ethical media, media responsibilities and fake news within the regulatory bodies in many countries of the world were reviewed.

She said she was thankful to all these organizations that assisted her in preparing the PEMRA (Amendment) Bill 2023.

She said they guided her how to take steps to protect the rights of media workers and establish a responsible media.

Marriyum said that the Joint Action Committee held several meetings over the course of 11 months for consultations with all stakeholders on the bill.

The minister said that the existing laws regarding the rights of journalists, ethical media, responsibilities of the media and fake news within the regulatory bodies in many countries of the world were reviewed, and PEMRA (Amendment) Bill 2023 contained international best practices.

She said that for the first time the definition of disinformation and misinformation had been included in the PEMRA law with the support of all media organizations.

“We clarified the difference between misinformation and disinformation in the bill”, she said.

Marriyum said that Implementation Tribal for Newspaper Employees existed for print media, but there was no forum to protect the rights of electronic media employee who were dismissed from jobs on political grounds.

She said that all stakeholders joined hands to protect the rights of journalists and media workers.

The minister said that the PEMRA amendment bill was made in light of the resolutions approved by the United Nations Human Rights Committee and in consultation with journalists and clauses were added in this bill considering the existing media laws in the countries of Great Britain, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, France, India, Brazil, Russia, European Union, and Australia.

She said that the bill was prepared according to the resolutions of the UN Human Rights Committee.

“Today some people are worried how this bill was finalized in consultation with media.” she added.

” The media itself has determined its responsibility in this bill and those criticizing the bill have not read it,” she said.

Regarding the amendments in PEMRA (Amendment) Bill 2023, the minister said that a comparative review of this bill had been done.

On this occasion, the minister also showed the media a comparative review of PEMRA Ordinance 2002 and PEMRA (Amendment) Bill 2023.

Marriyam said that the PEMRA Amendment Bill represented a significant step towards empowering the media and safeguarding the rights of journalists in Pakistan.

The bill included several key provisions that aimed to enhance the role and independence of the media while
providing necessary protections to journalists, she said while addressing a press conference here.

The minister emphasized that the PEMRA Amendment Bill was a collaborative process involving not only the government but also media workers representatives, media organisations and the public.

She emphasized the significance of a united endeavor to safeguard journalists’ rights in Pakistan.

The minister mentioned that the PEMRA Amendment Bill was meticulously developed in consultation with both the United Nations’ Human Rights Committee and journalists themselves.

The primary goal of this bill , she added was to ensure the protection of journalists’ rights across the entire country.

The PEMRA Amendment Bill aim was to protect journalists’ rights through consultation with both the United Nations’ Human Rights Committee and journalists themselves.

“One positive change in the PEMRA bill grants the media opportunity to have a say in the authority’s decisions. Moreover, the media now has representation in the council of complaints, which helps prevent any potential misuse of power”, she maintained.

Under the new changes, she said the powers of the PEMRA chairman were transferred to a committee, and working journalists were now represented in the provincial council of complaints.

Notably, media representation had been introduced in PEMRA, enabling working journalists to independently lodge complaints, she added.

The bill also mandated minimum wages and female representation, she said after the implementation of new act, media organizations found guilty of violations would be ineligible for government business.

The new PEMRA bill brought significant changes to the media landscape, she said adding it now included children’s content and ensures timely payment of salaries to employees.

The minister said that the council of complaints had been strengthened with two additional seats and authority.

Notably, she said the bill introduced media representation, allowing working journalists to lodge complaints independently.

The bill also mandated minimum wages and female representation, she maintained.

Muharram-ul-Harram: CII unveils comprehensive ‘code of conduct’ to foster peace, harmony

By

Asim Usman

-

Sat, 22 Jul 2023, 6:34 PM

0

ISLAMABAD, Jul 22 (APP):The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) on Saturday took a momentous step towards strengthening the values and principles that form the bedrock of Pakistan’s identity by unveiling a comprehensive ‘code of conduct’.

Addressing the press conference after a consultative meeting with prominent religious scholars and leaders, Chairman Dr Qibla Ayaz said the code, aimed at maintaining peace and tranquility, particularly in the Muharram-ul-Harram across the country, emphasized the importance of upholding the Constitution, respecting the dignity, and remaining loyal to the state under all circumstances.

He said the newly introduced code placed the duty on every citizen to acknowledge and abide by the constitutional authority of the state, demonstrating unwavering allegiance to it and its institutions.

He said the key aspects of the code revolved around upholding the dignity and respect of fundamental rights as outlined in the Constitution. This included the principles of equality, social and political rights, freedom of expression, belief, worship, and assembly, he added.

Muharram-ul-Harram: CII unveils comprehensive ‘code of conduct’ to foster peace, harmony

Dr Qibla said the Islamic foundation of Pakistan’s Constitution and laws would be preserved, with citizens being entitled to pursue peaceful efforts for the implementation of Shariah adding that to maintain the spirit of Shariah, the code strictly forbade any use of force in the name of Islam, armed actions against the state, violence, and incitement.

Additionally, he said no individual had the right to declare anyone, including government officials, military personnel, or security agencies, as infidels.

He urged the scholars and individuals from all walks of life to extend their support to the state and its institutions, particularly those responsible for law enforcement and security, to eradicate violence from society.

He said one crucial aspect of the code was the call for individuals to refrain from associating with movements driven by linguistic, regional, religious, or sectarian biases as the state stands firm in taking strict action against such groups to preserve unity and harmony.

Moreover, Dr Qibla said, “The code highlighted the importance of avoiding the imposition of personal views or ideologies on others, as it contradicts the spirit of Shariah and can lead to corruption.”

In the educational realm, he said, “Both private and government institutions, as well as religious educational establishments, must refrain from promoting militancy, extremism, and hatred alarming that those found involved in such activities would face legal consequences based on evidence and witnesses.”

He categorically stated that stringent administrative and punitive measures would be taken against those promoting extremism and violence, irrespective of their affiliation with any organization or ideology.

While all Islamic schools of thought have the right to propagate their beliefs and ideologies, he mentioned that the code strictly prohibited inciting hatred or making baseless accusations against individuals, institutions, or groups.

The chairman said the code underscored the sanctity of religious figures by stating that no person or group had the authority to say indecent words about the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him), other prophets, the wives of the Prophet, the Ahl-e-Bayt, the Rightly Guided Caliphs, or the companions.”

“However, the decisions regarding blasphemy cases would be under the purview of the courts,” he added.

Dr Qibla said, “The code ensured that no individual shall declare another Muslim as a non-believer adding that only qualified religious scholars could discuss Islamic principles based on religious doctrines, and decisions on apostasy would be determined by the courts in accordance with the Constitution.”

In a resolute stance against terrorism, he said the code forbade any individual from supporting or engaging in any form of terrorism, promoting mental or physical training for terrorists, or participating in terrorist activities.

He said the code encouraged healthy discussions on Islamic jurisprudence and theoretical issues in educational institutions, providing appropriate platforms for research and investigation.

Additionally, he said it highlighted the responsibility of all Muslim citizens and government officials to fulfill their duties in accordance with Islamic teachings and the Constitution.

The chairman said Islam’s teachings regarding the rights of elderly citizens, women, children, transgender individuals, and all marginalized groups would be disseminated at all levels, ensuring their protection and well-being.

Dr Qibla said the code also acknowledged the rights of non-Muslim citizens to practice their religion and religious rituals according to their beliefs, promoting religious freedom and inclusivity.

Upholding the protection of women’s rights, he said the code strictly prohibited any individual from depriving women of their voting rights, education, employment, or causing damage to their educational institutions.

Acts of honor killing, forced marriage, coercion, or voter disenfranchisement were strictly forbidden, he maintained.

To promote a peaceful environment, he said the code prohibited any individual from delivering hate-filled speeches in mosques, on pulpits, or during gatherings adding that similarly, contentious discussions related to sectarian issues on media platforms were strictly discouraged.

He said freedom of expression should be exercised responsibly, with a view to preventing the spread of sectarian hatred and safeguarding the country’s Islamic identity.

By adhering to this comprehensive code of conduct, he said Pakistan aimed at promoting unity, tolerance, and harmony among its citizens, fostering a society that upholds ethical values in the light of Paigham-e-Pakistan.

The chairman said the CII called upon all citizens to embrace the code of conduct, working together to strengthen the values and principles that underpin the country’s spirit of unity and harmony.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman and Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Interfaith Harmony and Middle East Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi informed that the CII had also condemned the burning incident of the Holy Quran in Sweden in the strongest terms.

He said the council had emphasized the need to legislate at the international level to discourage the reoccurrence of such indecent incidents causing religious disharmony in the comity of nations immensely.

SDG-4 workshop series concludes

By

NNPS Desk

-

Sat, 22 Jul 2023, 6:00 PM

0

ISLAMABAD, Jul 22 (APP): The Pakistan Institute of Education has effectively concluded a series of three Capacity Building Workshops focused on SDG-4 (Sustainable Development Goal 4).

The third and final workshop is presently underway at the Luxus Grand Hotel in Lahore, taking place from July 20-22.

The initial two workshops catered to participants from Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Sindh, and Balochistan, and they have already been successfully completed, according to a press release issued here on Saturday.

During the closing session, Dr Muhammad Shahid Soroya, the Director-General of PIE, presided over the event and expressed gratitude for UNESCO’s valuable support in organizing the Capacity Building Workshop.

He encouraged participants to provide feedback to enhance future endeavors. Additionally, he shared insights into various projects, initiatives, and interventions, with a specific focus on the Development of Out-of-School Children (OOSC) programs by PIE.

Dr Soroya also highlighted some key accomplishments of PIE in recent months, which included the creation of a comprehensive Training Manual for conducting these workshops.

Furthermore, he mentioned the institute’s significant contributions in providing technical input for the SDG-4 Mid-Term Review and its active participation in LaNA (Learning Assessment of National Accounts).

The School Education Department Punjab played a key role in organizing and supporting the Workshop. Kulsum Saqib, the Special Secretary SED, Government of Punjab, presided over the inaugural session, where she expressed her gratitude to the Ministry of Education Islamabad and UNESCO for conducting this essential training on SDG-4.

The workshop aims to enhance the capacity of EMIS professionals in comprehending, calculating, interpreting, and utilizing data related to SDG-4, thus fostering valuable skills in this domain.

Federal Government has established the Pakistan Institute of Education (PIE) as a premier entity of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training by merging its two sub-ordinate departments Academy of Educational Planning and Management (AEPAM) and National Education Assessment System (NEAS) to produce quality and reliable qualitative and quantitative education statistics to guide policy, planning, management, and monitoring at various administrative levels.

Efficient planning and policy making, particularly in implementing equity-based targeted interventions throughout Pakistan, have been hindered by the challenge of obtaining reliable and timely data.

The National and Provincial EMISs make significant efforts to generate quality education data to cater to the requirements of policymakers and decision-makers. However, certain gaps and shortcomings in education data persist, posing obstacles to the policy and planning process.

The Provincial/Area EMIS teams face a deficiency in statistical capacities for effectively processing and computing education indicators, particularly concerning SDG-4.

It is of utmost importance to provide Capacity Building opportunities to these teams, focusing on education data standards, methodologies, norms, procedures, and practices. This will empower them to produce high-quality education data.

Strengthening the technical personnel’s skills will play a pivotal role in generating reliable data, enabling the development of evidence-based interventions with significant impact.

Against this background, NEMIS-PIE and UNESCO joined forces to conduct a comprehensive assessment of stakeholders and data-producing agencies.

The main focus was to identify the gaps, needs, and challenges related to data production, analysis and its utilization for effective policy and planning purposes.

The assessment revealed that stakeholders lack the necessary technical skills and capacities to generate high-quality data and indicators. As a result, NEMIS-PIE and UNESCO have collaborated to organize a series of workshops aimed at Capacity Building for Provincial/Area EMISs and Education Managers. These workshops will primarily focus on SDG-4 Data Collection, Analysis, Reporting, and its strategic use for planning and monitoring purposes.

A comprehensive Training Needs Assessment was carried out to evaluate the capabilities of the provincial/area EMIS teams. Based on the assessment findings, a tailored training manual has been created to enhance the knowledge and skills of the EMIS teams in areas such as SDG-4 benchmarking, data collection, analysis, and reporting.

The workshop successfully raised awareness among education managers and policymakers regarding SDG-4 data production and its effective use through advocacy workshops. Throughout the three-day event, participants engaged in hands-on exercises, case studies, and scenario exercises using real-world data.

The training also covered the production of education indicators from diverse sources, such as administrative data, household surveys, monitoring, and censuses.

Moreover, extensive discussions were held on various aspects of data quality, ethics, analysis, and utilization.

During the concluding remarks, Dr Shahid Soroya highlighted the collective efforts of stakeholders in generating high-quality data using standardized methodologies and interpretation.

He expressed optimism that the skills and knowledge acquired during the workshop would be effectively applied and utilized by the participants in their official capacities, leading to the production of quality data and its meaningful integration into policy and planning processes.