PU issues roll number slips

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Mon, 19 Feb 2024, 6:46 PM

LAHORE, Feb 19 (APP):The Punjab University (PU) Examinations Department on Monday issued the roll number slips for MA/MSC Part-I, II, supplementary examinations 2023 which can be downloaded from www.pu.edu.pk.

Meanwhile, the roll number slips for BS Computer Science third and fourth year, BFA (painting) and BS Home Economics annual examinations 2023 have also been issued which the respective candidates can get from their colleges. The exams will start from February 22, 2024.

FCCI proposes separate ministry to produce skilled human resources

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Ali Ali

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Mon, 19 Feb 2024, 6:44 PM

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FAISALABAD, Feb 19 (APP):Engineer Ahmad Hassan, former Vice President and Convener FCCI (Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry) Standing Committee on R&D, has proposed a separate and dedicated ministry to produce highly skilled human resources which could be exported to other countries to almost double the existing foreign remittances.

Addressing a meeting of the standing committee, he said that our current exports are only $20bn while remittances are $30bn but still there is a gap of $20-25bn.

He said, “We must focus on exporting highly skilled manpower to overcome this trade gap. The economy is facing multiple challenges and fundamental administrative changes are needed to resolve the issues. We are exporting unskilled and semiskilled workers which are sending $30bn remittances. The proposed ministry may be tasked with identifying the specific needs of each potential country and produce human resources in that particular area.”

He further said that exports are dwindling due to global meltdown and internal instability, hence we must focus on enhancing foreign remittances by exporting a major chunk of our highly trained manpower. “It is the easiest way to balance the trade deficit”, he added.

Earlier Dr H.M Arif Javaid presented a comprehensive documentary on remittances and said that foreign remittances of $647bn were transferred globally during 2022 and this amount is expected to jump to $800bn in 2024.

He explained data about South Asian countries and said that maximum remittances poured in India which was $111.2bn. “Pakistan received $29.9bn remittances which were only 7.9% of our GDP”, he said and explained the importance of foreign remittances, global and regional trends, South Asian landscape, Pakistani diaspora, remittances sent by them, evolution of remittances and other related topics.

Muhammad Amjad Khawaja proposed that comparative study of the Pakistan and Bangladesh textile sector may be presented in the next meeting of the standing committee.

The meeting was also attended by Abdullah Qadri, Muhib Mujtaba Amjad, Muhammad Irfan and Muhammad Faizan.

CM Balochistan for provision of health facilities under BHCP

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Ali Ali

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Mon, 19 Feb 2024, 6:40 PM

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QUETTA, Feb 19 (APP):Balochistan Caretaker Chief Minister Mir Ali Mardan Khan Domki chaired a high-level meeting to review the progress performance of Balochistan Health Card Program (BHCP) and issues being faced by it for addressing them to facilitate people at Chief Minister’s Secretariat on Monday.

The meeting was attended by Caretaker Provincial Health Minister Dr. Amir Muhammad Jogaizai, Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan, Principal Secretary Rashid Razak Khan, Secretary Health Abdullah Khan, Secretary Finance Babar Khan, Chief Executive Officer Balochistan Health Card Program Asadullah Kakar and Chairman Balochistan Revenue Authority Noor Baloch.

In the meeting, Chief Executive Officer of Balochistan Health Program, Asadullah Kakar gave a detailed briefing about the performance of the three months after the implementation of the program and the challenges faced.

Addressing at the meeting, Caretaker Chief Minister of Balochistan Mir Ali Mardan Khan Domki, said that Balochistan Health Card was such a unique program in the history of the province under which every poor and rich person has access to quality treatment facilities at government expense in 1200 hospitals across the country on the panel.

Since this is a first-of-its-kind program in the health sector, the common man does not have enough information about it and its benefits, some problems are also coming up at the administrative level, but it is a matter of satisfaction that the problems that come up from time to time are gradually improving by removing the difficulties and obstacles, he said.

He said that we were confident that with time this program would be improved and in the future people to be able to use this program quickly and better.

The CM said that it was a matter of satisfaction that 28185 patients have been treated under Balochistan Health Card in

three months, in Quetta, most heart disease patients used the health card.

A digital supervision and monitoring system has been established for transparency in the health card program, while the calculation of resources allocated to each individual is available to everyone through the health card app, he said.

He said that thanks to which the message of the allocated resources spent on the identity card of any individual comes to the respective individual’s mobile and thus resources allocated to one individual could not be misused by any other person.

The CM said that preliminary statistical and financial analysis of the Balochistan Health Card Program has revealed that after the evacuation of Afghan refugees and the issuance of health cards, private doctors have significantly reduced their fees which was a relief for poor people.

Mir Ali Mardan Khan Domki also directed that more awareness should be given to the public regarding the health card program and in this context, the scope of effective publicity and awareness program should be widened so that every individual of Balochistan was aware of the resources allocated for him in the health sector and could use this program for treatment.

He instructed the Finance Department that the insurance company associated with the health card program, and official Assignment Accounts should be opened for payment of dues to NADRA and Panel Hospitals to ensure timely payment as per prevailing legal procedures and the people would continue to have uninterrupted quality treatment facilities under this program.

President calls for financial inclusion of weaker segments of society through digital transformation

By

Irfan Khan

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Mon, 19 Feb 2024, 6:38 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 19 (APP): President Dr Arif Alvi on Monday called for enhancing the inclusion of deprived sections of society, especially women and persons with disabilities, in the mainstream of the economy through the digital transformation of the financial sector for socio-economic development.

The president gave these remarks while addressing the third edition of Hosting Business Net 2024, a platform to promote financial inclusion and digital transformation and recognize the contributions of companies working in this sector.

The ceremony was attended by members of the business and diplomatic community.

The president said that Pakistani people were a vibrant nation that had been blessed with abundant natural resources, adding that Pakistan needed to invest in their intellectual development and capacity building.

He also highlighted that Pakistan could not progress without the inclusion of 26.2 million out-of-school children in the education system.

Educating such a large portion of the population would require thousands of new schools and additional resources, he observed, adding “If left unaddressed, Pakistan would export raw labour without any value-addition.”

The president cited the example of China which had lifted millions of its people out of poverty by investing in their education and health.

He said that financial inclusion was not possible without political inclusion of the people.

He opined that technology should be utilized for internet voting (i-voting) and Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

The president also hailed millions of young voters who had expressed their confidence in the democratic system.

The president highlighted the need for setting priorities for the country, making good decisions and efficiently utilizing its human resources for progress of the country.

He said that the low tax-to-GDP ratio was a perennial problem in Pakistan, adding that overcoming this issue would help reduce Pakistan’s reliance on foreign loans.

The president said that banks were offering business loans for women on easy terms and conditions, however, there was a lack of awareness about micro-credit facilities for women.

He urged the banks to enhance their outreach by introducing cashless banking in far-flung areas through customized products and services.

CEO of Transforming Hub Iftikhar Hussain highlighted that BizNet was an ecosystem that had brought together the best minds by promoting increased collaboration, commitment and innovation.

He underlined the pivotal role played by the banking sector in adopting the latest financial solutions paving the way for user-friendly banking transactions.

Speaking on the occasion, CEO of Airlinks Communication Muzaffar Piracha apprised the audience that digitization of the economy was the first step towards financial inclusion which was not possible without advancements in the mobile industry.

Chief Digital Officer of Jazz Aamer Ejaz said that Pakistan had a large undocumented economy that was undermining the whole financial system as businesses/transactions were not registered.

Financial inclusion through services like JazzCash was effectively addressing such issues and empowering people particularly women at the grassroots level, he added.

Earlier, the president also gave away shields to companies in recognition of their services for enhancing financial inclusion through technological and digital transformation.

PU Library Club arranges introductory talk

By

Ali Ali

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Mon, 19 Feb 2024, 6:38 PM

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LAHORE, Feb 19 (APP):The Punjab University (PU) Library Club organized introductory talks on books titled: ‘Urdu Ki Samaji Lughat’ by Dr Tariq Hashmi and “The Parliament of Pakistan” by Mahboob Hussain.

On this occasion, Department of Gender Studies’ Assistant Professor Dr Qaiser Khalid Mehmood, Centre for South Asian Studies’ Assistant Professor Dr Mariyam Kamal, faculty members and students were present, said PU’s spokesperson on Monday.

Dr Qaiser Khalid Mehmood shed light on ‘Urdu Ki Samaji Lughat’. He highlighted the socio-cultural insights presented in the book. He underscored the influence of historical forces such as monarchy and colonial rule on language evolution. He emphasized the importance of fostering an egalitarian language free from gender biases and discriminatory connotations.

Dr Mariyam Kamal presented an analysis of ‘The Parliament of Pakistan’. Dr Kamal’s insights delved into the intricate relationship between Prime Minister Bhutto and Parliament during the 1970s, shedding light on the parliament’s role as a platform for opposition voices and its evolution over time.

Snowfall hits Upper Dir, Swat; 148 travelers rescued

By

Ali Ali

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Mon, 19 Feb 2024, 6:35 PM

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PESHAWAR, Feb 19 (APP):At least 148 travelers were rescued in the wake of intense snowfall in Upper Dir and Swat Valley, said security officials on Monday.

Key roads and the Lowari Tunnel have been closed due to heavy snow accumulation.

Local authorities and the Pakistani Army have swiftly initiated emergency measures to clear critical roadways and the Lowari Tunnel.

In a rapid response, district administration and the military safely transported 148 stranded travelers to designated secure locations.

Heavy machinery is being deployed to clear snow from all roads, ensuring accessibility across the affected areas.

The Pakistan Army is actively engaged in rescuing a large number of travelers trapped in the Lowari Tunnel, ensuring their safe evacuation.

Due to severe snowfall, traffic towards Chitral has been halted as a precautionary measure by local authorities.

District administration and the Pakistan Army are providing essential supplies such as food and blankets to stranded travelers, offering support amidst challenging weather conditions.

Sports games held in Degree college larkana

By

Ali Ali

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Mon, 19 Feb 2024, 6:32 PM

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LARKANA, Feb 19 (APP):In connection with the 6th Sindh College Games Region Larkana under the supervision of Directorate Colleges Larkana Region and hosted by Government Boys Degree College Larkana in the Badminton Hall of Government Boys Degree College Larkana interesting inter-district Larkana Boys Badminton and Table Tennis competitions.

Where in the first quarter-final match of badminton, the team of district Jacobabad defeated the team of district Qambar by 2.0 and reached the semi-finals.

In the first semi-final match, the team of district Larkana defeated the team of district Shikarpur by 2.1 and reached the final.

In the second semi-final match, the team of district Jacobabad defeated the team of district Kandhkot by 2.0 and qualified for the final.

In the final match, the team of district Larkana defeated the team of district Jacobabad by 2.0 and won the title of the final. In the first quarter-final match of table tennis, the team of district Jacobabad defeated the team of district Qambar by 2.0 and reached the semi-finals. In the first semi-final match, the district Shikarpur team defeated the district Kandhkot team by 2.0 and reached the final.

In the second semi-final match, the team of district Jacobabad defeated the team of district Larkana by 2.1 and qualified for the final. In the final match, the district Shikarpur team defeated the district Jacobabad team by 2.0 and won the final title. The guest of honor for the final match was Principal Government Boys Degree College Nay Dero Professor Shamsuddin Sario, guest of honor Principal Government Arts Commerce College Larkana Professor Rizwan Gul, Principal Government Boys Degree College Larkana Professor Altaf Hussain Abro, Professor Imtiaz Ali Shah, Regional Program Coordinator Khadim Hussain. Gopang, Director Physical Education Neelam Kokar, Prof. Asghar Ali, Prof. Sharjeel Ahmed, Prof. Hizbullah, Prof. Allah Bakhsh and other guests distributed trophies and prizes to the athletes.

During the match, Director of Physical Education Neelam Kokar performed the duties of umpiring.