ISLAMABAD: October 01-
APP22-011024
ISLAMABAD: October 01-Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq in a group photo with Renowned Islamic Philosopher Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik at Parliament House.
Renowned Islamic Philosopher Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik called on Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq at Parliament House.
ISLAMABAD: October 01-
Education leads to innovations, crucial for country’s economic growth: Governor Kundi
ISLAMABAD, Oct 01 (APP):Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, on Tuesday said that education leads to innovations and scientific advancements, which are crucial for a country’s economic growth.
He highlighted the vital role of education in the development and prosperity of a nation.
He said this during fourth General Council meeting of the Pakistan Chamber of Education here at a local hotel.
Governor Kundi said that education as a guiding light that imparts awareness and knowledge, enabling educated nations to understand and address their challenges effectively.
During the event, the Governor took the oath of office for the newly elected members of the Pakistan Chamber of Education’s cabinet.
President of the Chamber, Hafiz Muhammad Basharat, informed Governor Kundi about the organization’s efforts in the educational sector.
The Governor pointed out the significant educational deprivation in rural areas, noting that many children remain uneducated due to unfavorable conditions.
He said that a substantial portion of the national budget is allocated to education and health, with the private sector also playing a vital role. However, he lamented that the country has yet to achieve its educational targets.
Kundi called for valuable suggestions and services from organizations like the Chamber to support government initiatives.
He expressed hope that collective efforts could elevate the country’s educational standards to match those of developed nations.
Furthermore, he criticized past dictatorships for banning student unions, saying that only Sindh has lifted that ban.
He mentioned that despite having a youthful population, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has not hosted first-class cricket for over a decade which is question mark on the performance of provincial government.
KMU inaugurates Prof. Dr. Arshad Javed Academic Block
PESHAWAR, Oct 01 (APP):Khyber Medical University (KMU), Peshawar, proudly inaugurated the Professor Dr. Arshad Javed Academic Block in a ceremony attended by distinguished guests.
Former Vice Chancellor of KMU, Professor Dr. Arshad Javed, served as the chief guest, accompanied by his daughter Dr. Zainab Javed, current Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Zia Ul Haq, Registrar Inam Ullah Wazir, and heads of various institutions and departments.
In his address, Professor Dr. Arshad Javed expressed heartfelt gratitude to Vice Chancellor Dr. Zia Ul Haq and the university team for naming the Nursing and Physiotherapy Block in his honor. He commended the remarkable progress achieved by KMU under the leadership of Professor Dr. Zia Ul Haq, praising the university as an exemplary model of health education. By offering all fields of health education under one roof, KMU is fostering a robust healthcare delivery system that will ultimately benefit society. Prof. Dr. Javed acknowledged KMU’s contributions to public health, research, and academic excellence and emphasized that these efforts serve as an inspiration to other institutions.
Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Zia Ul Haq, in his remarks, highlighted the importance of honoring notable figures during their lifetime. He pointed out that while buildings and memorials are typically named after individuals posthumously, KMU has chosen to break this tradition by recognizing its living legends. The dedication of the Nursing and Physiotherapy Block to Professor Dr. Arshad Javed serves as a testament to his leadership, particularly during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prof. Dr. Zia Ul Haq further noted that KMU has previously named key structures after founding Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Dauad Khan and former Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Hafeezullah, honoring their roles in KMU’s growth and development. He emphasized that the recognition of Professor Dr. Arshad Javed sends a positive message to future generations about the importance of celebrating the contributions of those who have shaped the institution. The university’s decision reflects its commitment to remembering and honoring its benefactors, ensuring their legacy continues to inspire. This gesture not only acknowledges Professor Dr. Arshad Javed’s hard work and dedication but also reinforces KMU’s forward-thinking approach to leadership and recognition, he added.
Pakistan emerged as second-largest market for Chinese solar products amid energy shift
ISLAMABAD, Oct 01 (APP):Pakistan has emerged as a significant new market for Chinese photovoltaic (PV) companies, aligning with its path toward energy transformation.
According to statistics from the China Photovoltaic Industry Association (CPIA), in the first half of 2024, Asia overtook Europe as the largest export destination for PV products and Pakistan has become the second-largest market for module exports after Europe.
During the same period, China exported inverters worth a total of RMB 1.714 billion to Pakistan. In August alone, the total value of inverter exports to Pakistan reached 326 million yuan, showing a year-on-year surge of 429.04%. And shimmering blue panels now sit atop a vast array of factories, households, hospitals and mosques.
The surge in exports of photovoltaics and supporting products reflects the urgency of turning to new energy power generation in Pakistan, China Economic Net reported on Tuesday.
“Electricity prices continue to rise; thus, people are trying to find their own way out,” Abbas a Pakistani trader said at the Investment and Trade Forum for Cooperation between East and West China.
As of June 2023, the installed capacity of solar power in Pakistan stood at 630 megawatts, namely 1.4% of the overall installed power capacity, which has a huge room for improvement.
In terms of natural conditions, according to the World Bank’s Global Solar Atlas data, taking Balochistan with good lighting conditions as an example, the average annual total photovoltaic output power of a 1KW household photovoltaic system can reach 1990kWh (corresponding to approximately 1990h of sunlight), which is approximately 41% and 59% higher than New Delhi, India and Shandong Province, China, respectively; the Global Tilted Irradiance (GTI) can reach 2536.5KWh/square meter, which is approximately 36% and 61% higher than New Delhi, India and Shandong Province, China respectively.
In terms of policies, for the past few years, the Pakistani government has highly supported the development of renewable energy, setting a strategic goal of increasing the share of renewable energy and alternative energy in Pakistan’s electricity market to 20% by 2025 and to 30% by 2030.
The IGCEP2047 released by NEPRA showed that Pakistan’s PV installed capacity will achieve leapfrog growth in the next few years. It is expected that by 2030, the PV installed capacity will reach 12.8GW, and by 2047 it is expected to reach 26.9GW. According to calculations, in order to achieve the 2030/2047 goals, the average annual new PV installed capacity needs to reach 1.65/1.07GW respectively.
Businesses in Pakistan are racing to cover their factory rooftops with reasonably priced Chinese solar panels. “Every bit of space I have, even if it’s a few feet, I want it covered in solar panels,” said Khawaja Masood Akhtar, chief executive of Forward Sports, whose factory is one of the world’s largest makers of footballs. His company had already doubled the level of solar in its energy mix to 50% over the past two years. Akhtar is now ploughing a chunk of last year’s profits into importing another haul of panels from China to lift the share of solar supply to his operations to 80% by next April.
A view of the under-construction underpass at Karimabad, Federal B-Area, as development projects continue to reshape the Provincial Capital.
KARACHI: October 01-
PSX witnesses bullish trend, gains 690 points
ISLAMABAD, Oct 1 (APP):The 100-Index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed bullish trend on Tuesday, gaining 690.39 points, a positive change of 0.85 percent, closing at 81,804.59 points against 81,114.20 points on the last working day.
A total of 359,081,585 shares were traded during the day as compared to 297,994,181 shares the previous trading day, whereas the price of shares stood at Rs 17.160 billion against Rs.14.103 billion on the last trading day.
As many as 436 companies transacted their shares in the stock market, 243 of them recorded gains and 139 sustained losses, whereas the share price of 54 companies remained unchanged.
The three top trading companies were Fauji Cement with 29,125,856 shares at Rs 26.62 per share, Hub Power Company XD with 19,621,123 shares at Rs 126.47 per share and WorldCall Telecom with 19,051,954 shares at Rs 1.24 per share.
Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited witnessed a maximum increase of Rs 194.94 per share price, closing at Rs 17,270.00, whereas the runner-up was Hallmark Company Limited with Rs 78.42 rise in its per share price to Rs 1,116.73.
Pakistan Engineering Company Limited witnessed a maximum decrease of Rs 55.00 per share closing at Rs 755.00 followed by Sitara Chemical Industries Limited with Rs 14.92 decline to close at Rs 270.08.
Raheela calls for urgent action on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Tax Reforms
QUETTA, Oct 01 (APP): Balochistan Education Minister Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani on Tuesday called for urgent action on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Tax Reforms.
She said this while addressing at the Policy Dialogue organized by the MHM Working Group (MHMWG) Secretariat Balochistan in collaboration with UNICEF Pakistan, brought together a diverse group of policymakers, advocates, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for impact full tax reforms.
Members National Assembly (MNAs) Ms. Akhtar Bibi, Phulain Baloch and Member Balochistan Assembly Rahmat Saleh Baloch reiterated their commitment to championing this issue at the federal level, assuring participants that they would push for legislative reforms to ensure MHM products are affordable for all, especially vulnerable groups in rural and remote areas of Balochistan.
Addressing at Policy Dialogue, Raheela Durrani said, “This is not just a policy issue—it’s a human rights issue”.
She opened the Policy Dialogue on Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHM) Tax Reforms and stressed the vital need for parliamentarians from Balochistan to raise their voices at the federal level, pushing for MHM tax reforms that would ensure affordability and accessibility of menstrual products for women and girls.
Ms. Durrani called for a united front in advocating these reforms, emphasizing the need for sustained government commitment and public support to create an inclusive society where every woman could manage her menstrual health with dignity.
Following her lead, stakeholders from Balochistan, including parliamentarians, health and education officials and experts urged the Federal Government to take immediate action on MHM tax reforms.
These reforms, they stressed, are essential for enhancing the affordability and availability of menstrual products, which would alleviate the financial burden on millions of women and girls in the province.
In a detailed presentation, Mr. Rahmatullah Khan Durrani, Commissioner of Income Tax at the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), proposed categorizing menstrual hygiene products as essential items rather than luxury goods.
This reclassification, he explained, would lead to reduced taxation and make these vital products more accessible to women and girls. His technical insights were complemented by Abdullah Khan, Secretary Population Balochistan, who emphasized the need for data-driven approaches to understand the real impact of access to MHM products at the grassroots level.
Dr. Tahira Kamal Baloch, Chair of MHMWG Balochistan highlighted the pivotal role of these tax reforms in addressing the financial barriers that prevent women from accessing menstrual hygiene products.
She summarized key recommendations from previous consultative rounds, paving the way for collective policy asks.
Hashim Khan, representing GIZ, stressed the urgency of addressing MHM tax reforms, urging both provincial and federal stakeholders to prioritize the health and dignity of women and girls in Balochistan.
Ms. Kiran Qazi, UNICEF representative, further elaborated on the financial and social challenges imposed by the current tax regime on menstrual products, emphasizing that strategic reforms are necessary to make these products widely available.
Ms. Shaista Gillani, UNICEF Consultant, brought in global and regional best practices in MHM tax reforms, highlighting their relevance in the Pakistani context.
Mr. Shafqat Aziz, Policy Advocacy Specialist, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the importance of media advocacy in keeping the public and policymakers engaged on this crucial issue. He presented the detailed policy asks for MHM tax reforms on behalf of the stakeholders from Balochistan, calling for a collective voice at both provincial and federal levels to push the agenda forward.
Experts including Director Industries Balochistan, Muhammad Iqbal, Representative from Local Government Masood Ahmad and Muhammad Aslam, Ms. Falak Naz from UNICEF, Ms Shahana Tabbasum, Coordinator MHM Secretariat, Ejaz-ur-Rehman from Qatar Charity and Munawar Ali from HANDS also shared their insights.
They unanimously emphasized the need for a robust and sustained media campaign to generate awareness and support for MHM tax reforms.
A vendor patiently waits for customers on the roadside in the city, selling antioxidant-rich black grapes known for their health benefits.
QUETTA: October 01-
A corn hawker selling fresh corns in Quetta, emphasizing its nutrient-rich benefits to entice customers.
QUETTA: October 01-
KPUMA introduces flat-rate fares for BRT express routes
PESHAWAR, Oct 01 (APP): Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Urban Mobility Authority (KPUMA) has introduced flat-rate fares for express routes of the Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, Peshawar, said a press release issued here on Tuesday.
Under the new fare rates, the fare for express routes has been fixed at Rs.55/- unlike the previous distanced based fares for both express and direct routes. KPUMA states that the decision is aimed at improving convenience for long-distance passengers.
Unlike direct routes, express route buses stop only at selected busy bus stops rather than at every stop.
The routes for which fares have been increased include ER-09 (Gulbahar Chowk to Phase 6 Terminal), ER-10 (Hospital Chowk to Kohat Adda), ER-12 (Mall of Hayatabad to Shah Alam), and ER-16 (Gulbahar Chowk to Nawab Market). The new fare structure will come into effect on October 3, 2024.
TransPeshawar spokesperson Sadaf Kamil stated, ‘the purpose of Zu Peshawar’s express routes is to provide ease of travel to long-distance commuters, while direct routes continue to serve alongside them. However, in the current situation, passengers traveling short distances (2-3 stops) are also using express routes, leaving less space for those traveling longer distances.
To discourage this trend, the fare for express routes has been increased. This change will have minimal impact on long-distance passengers, while short-distance commuters will be encouraged to use alternative routes.”
“This move will not only enhance comfort for long-distance passengers rather will also improve the overall efficiency of the system by encouraging short-distance commuters to choose more appropriate routes,” she concluded.