Book “Al-Muhallab” launched at IRS

Mon, 30 Sep 2024, 10:31 PM

ISLAMABAD, Sep 30 (APP): The Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) on Monday hosted the launch of the book titled, “AL-Muhallab” (Khita e Pakistan Main Islam Ka Pehla Alambardar”, authored by the Judge of Federal Shariat Court Justice Dr Syed Mohammad Anwer.

Dr. Khurram Iqbal of the National Defence University gave the introduction and highlighted the importance of the book in the context of the history of Islam. Dr. Tanvir Anjum of the History Department of Quaid-e-Azam University presented the thematic review of the book.

The former chairman of the Islamic Ideological Council Dr. Qibla Ayaz made a detailed analysis of the book.

The author of the book, Justice Dr Syed Muhammad Anwar, while expressing his opinion on the book’s contents said “Al-Muhallab” is a person of unique importance in the history of Pakistan, who took Islam through the Khyber Pass about forty years before Muhammad Bin Qasim in the region of Pakistan.

“Al-Mahallab is considered to be the most important figure in Islamic history to end the ‘Fitna al-Khawarij’s edition.

The audience expressed deep interest in the book written on the life of this unsung hero of Islamic history and was greatly impressed by the effort of the author.

In the end, IRS President Ambassador Jauhar Saleem paid tribute to the book’s author and called this book a milestone for young people involved in research.

Kashmiris to uphold ideology of accession of entire J&K State to Pakistan at all costs: AJK

NNPS Desk

Mon, 30 Sep 2024, 10:21 PM

MIRPUR (AJK), Sep 30 (APP): AJK Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq, paying rich tributes to the martyrs of Mang, Monday said that the Kashmiris owed a debt of gratitude to them as their struggle and sacrifices culminated in the liberated state.

Addressing a public gathering in the historic Mang town, Poonch Division, he said,”The martyrs of Mang liberated the region by sacrificing their lives and the ideology of accession of the entire state of Jammu & Kashmir to Pakistan propounded by them will be upheld at all costs.”

Terming Pakistan a center of hope for the Muslims all around the world, the prime minister said that a strong, stable and prosperous Pakistan was a guarantor for Kashmir’s ongoing freedom movement.

Castigating the Modi government for holding sham elections in occupied Kashmir, he said that the poll exercise being conducted under the supervision of one million troops had no legal standing before the international law.

He said that the implementation of the United Nations Security Council resolutions was the only feasible solution to the Kashmir problem.

The prime minister also condemned the continued bloodshed and violence in the Indian Illegal Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

He said that the people in IIOJK had been deprived of their basic rights.

“India has robbed Kashmiris of their identity, snatched away from them their rights and privileges”, he said, adding that the Muslims were being turned into a minority in IIOJK.

The AJK PM said that the people in Azad Kashmir enjoyed full civil liberties.

The state government, he said, was spending a big chunk of its budget on subsidies to ensure provision of wheat flour and electricity at affordable rates.

“The funds are being spent regardless of community or regional bias”, he added.

The PM said that no one would be allowed to ruin the system of the state for which the forefathers had made unprecedented sacrifices.

The prime minister said that he would announce a development package for Poonch very soon, aimed at removing economic backwardness and improving road infrastructure in the region.

On the occasion, the prime minister announced establishment of Mang Town Committee and Civil Court, besides addressing shortage of staff in Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, appointment of a gynecologist, upgradation of educational institutions and health centers and installation of street lights in the town.

AJK ministers including Sardar Muhammad Hussain, Malik Zafar Iqbal and Sardar Amir Altaf, Maulana Saeed Yusuf Khan, PPP leader Sardar Gulnawaz Khaliq Advocate and others also addressed the function.

Meanwhile, talking to different delegations in Poonch, Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq said that the government would ensure the provision of all resources to resolve the problems being faced by people of the division.

Governor congratulates Maulana Fazlur Rehman on appointment as JUIF chief, Abdul Ghafoor Haidri GS

Kamran Muraad

Mon, 30 Sep 2024, 10:18 PM

PESHAWAR, Sep 30 (APP): Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, on Monday extended his congratulations to Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidri on their appointments as the Central Ameer (chief) and General Secretary of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl, respectively.

In a statement, Governor Kundi acknowledged that Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Haidri were elected unopposed for a term of five-year.

He expressed his best wishes for both leaders and emphasized the importance of their leadership in positively and responsibly addressing the political and religious issues facing the country.

The Governor expressed hope that under their guidance, JUI-F will continue to play a constructive role in the nation’s political landscape.

Government pushes for constitutional amendments in national interest: Ihsan

Kamran Muraad

Mon, 30 Sep 2024, 10:14 PM

ISLAMABAD, Sep 30 (APP): The Coordinator to the Prime Minister of Commerce and Industries, Rana Ihsan Afzal Khan, on Monday said that the government wants to make constitutional amendments that benefit the country in the long run.

Talking to a private news channel, he stressed the importance of strengthening the courts while adding that, “Improving the courts and their performance through constitutional amendments is vital for the national interest.”

He emphasized that the government aims to build a wider agreement among political parties to make these changes smoothly.

He pointed out that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had benefited from Article 63A during its time in power.

IGP pins new ranks to 55 promoted inspectors

Zaka Ullah Ch

Mon, 30 Sep 2024, 10:10 PM

LAHORE, Sep 30 (APP):Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar on Monday said that the Punjab Police will never allow terrorists, criminals and those who deviate from the Constitution to succeed.

He shared these thoughts during a ceremony at the Central Police Office, where he addressed officers who were promoted from Sub-Inspector to Inspector.

The IG Punjab vowed that the blood of police martyrs, who sacrificed their lives for the country and the nation, will be avenged. He further stated that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has increased the amount allocated for the purchase of homes for police martyrs to 5 million rupees per house, and an allowance of Rs. 25,000 has been approved for personnel on duty in the Kacha area.

Dr. Usman Anwar mentioned that all new police stations will be completed within the current financial year, and border check posts have been strengthened with modern infrastructure and logistics. He announced that Smart Safe Cities will be operational in 18 cities of Punjab by December 31, and across the entire province by June 30 next year. He also mentioned that the scope of the Safe Cities project will be expanded to 140 tehsils in Punjab.

The Punjab Police have transitioned to mobile applications and advanced technologies based on artificial intelligence, which are essential for crime prevention, traffic management, and other policing matters, he said, adding that any criticism of the police should be met with improved service, protection, and better service delivery to citizens.

The ceremony was held at the Central Police Office in honor of the 55 newly promoted officers from Sub-Inspector to the rank of Inspector. IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar, along with senior officers, presented the inspector ranks to the promoted officers.

Anti-Dengue week to be observed; DC

Kamran Muraad

Mon, 30 Sep 2024, 10:06 PM

RAWALPINDI, Sep 30 (APP):Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hasan Waqar Cheema said that anti-dengue week would be observed in the district from September 30 to October 5, according to the instruction of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

During the week, the DC said all premises of the official’s buildings would be cleared from dengue larvae while eliminating all possible breeding sites, covering all water vessels and containers, fixing leakages in plumbing systems, draining stagnant water, cleaning trays of refrigerators, removal of water from the internal parts of room coolers, destruction of wood waste on roofs and weeds would be ensured.

He directed the officials of government departments to display awareness banners at prominent places in the city, distribute posters, and brochures, and carry on social media, print and electronic media campaigns.

Hassan added that seminars and walks would also be organised to create awareness among the people.

He directed the Rawalpindi Waste Management Company officials to update daily activities till the end of Anti-dengue week.

MoHR working to strengthen legal frameworks, social policies to protect older persons rights: Azam Nazeer Tarar

Zaka Ullah Ch

Mon, 30 Sep 2024, 10:04 PM

ISLAMABAD, Sep 30 (APP):Federal Minister for Human Rights, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons said that it is our collective responsibility to advocate for their needs, ensuring they are not marginalized but celebrated as vital members of our communities.

In a message, he said that as we mark the International Day of Older Persons, we must take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the rights and dignity of our senior citizens.

“Let us honor the elders among us by reflecting on their invaluable contributions and recommitting to their well-being, he added.

He said that in this context, the Ministry of Human Rights is actively working to strengthen legal frameworks and social policies that protect the rights of older persons. “Our initiatives focus on ensuring access to essential services, promoting awareness, and creating an environment that encourages active engagement among seniors, he added.

He said that let us join hands in honoring our older citizens, ensuring they receive the respect and care they truly deserve.

Together, we can create a society where every older person feels supported and appreciated, he added.

He said that the rich experiences and wealth of wisdom possessed by our senior citizens are crucial in recognizing and addressing the unique challenges we currently face as a nation.

The minister said that it is vital that we navigate the complexities of contemporary challenges together, acknowledging the significant role our elders play in society.

“Furthermore, as we address these challenges, we recognize the importance of collaboration. By uniting the government, civil society, and the private sector, we can ensure that our senior citizens feel secure and valued,”.

No extension in filing income tax returns: FBR

NNPS Desk

Mon, 30 Sep 2024, 10:00 PM

ISLAMABAD, Sep 30 (APP): The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) clarified on Monday that there will be no extension in the deadline for filing income tax returns for the financial year 2024, contrary to media reports.

The board clarified that media reports about extension of income tax returns filing date are untrue, said a statement issued here.

The FBR urged all taxpayers to file their income tax returns immediately to avoid penalties and legal action.

EU boosts stability, resilience through WFP in Pakistan

NNPS Desk

Mon, 30 Sep 2024, 9:47 PM

ISLAMABAD, Sep 30 (APP): The European Union’s financial support, through the World Food Programme (WFP), has played a crucial role in helping flood-affected communities in Pakistan to recover and stabilize.

Over the course of 18 months, this partnership has focused on rebuilding lives, strengthening local communities, and preparing them for future challenges.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has completed its ‘Enhanced Food and Nutrition Security for Vulnerable People in Flood-affected Areas of Pakistan’ project, funded by the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI), this initiative aimed to support communities in Pakistan that were severely affected by flooding, said a press release.

For eighteen months, WFP supported the most vulnerable households in Pakistan’s worst flood-hit districts to facilitate early recovery, rehabilitation, and stabilisation.

The European Union contributed EUR 5 million to this effort, which helped transition from emergency relief to early recovery. The initiative used a community-based approach to not only provide immediate help but also reduce local tensions, promote cooperation, and encourage social unity. By forming village committees and ensuring that resources were distributed fairly, the project worked to rebuild infrastructure and strengthen livelihoods.

One key component was restoring important community assets, such as water systems, and promoting activities that generate income. This approach helped these communities become more resilient and better prepared for future challenges.

Through this EU-funded project, WFP provided direct assistance to more than 97,000 people and indirect support to 700,000 people across seven vulnerable districts in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh. More than USD 3.6 million in cash assistance was distributed, enabling participants to access nutritious food in exchange for their involvement in community asset creation and skills development activities.

The EU Ambassador to Pakistan Riina Kionka reaffirmed the EU’s dedication: “Community resilience is at the core of our efforts in Pakistan. The EU is proud to have contributed to building stronger, more resilient communities in the face of adversity by strengthening local capacities and fostering solidarity.”

Part of the project involved rehabilitation efforts that restored both physical and natural assets. This included the construction of 550 water management systems and 650 flood protection walls, which helped safeguard 76,000 acres of agricultural land and 40,000 homes. Additionally, 1,700 fuel-efficient stoves were distributed, and 10,000 trees were planted to reduce the environmental impact and provide future protection against climate-related disasters.

This project also delivered over 400 training sessions in marketable skills such as sewing, embroidery, dressmaking, and beautician services, as well as business management, digital marketing. Women constituted 80 per cent of the participants, whose income increased threefold from PKR 5,000 to PKR 15,000 (approximately USD 18 to 54), empowering them economically.

Coco Ushiyama, WFP’s Country Director in Pakistan, highlighted the importance of combining food security with resilience-building activities: “After major disasters like the 2022 floods, it’s critical to provide both immediate food assistance and long-term support. Thanks to the EU’s generosity, this project helped these communities become more resilient and food-secure.”

In addition to providing material and financial support, WFP, along with local experts from Rescue 1122 and Civil Defence, formed and trained 114 Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs). These teams are equipped with essential rescue tools, making them better prepared to assist in future emergencies. This is a crucial step in ensuring that local communities can respond effectively to disasters when they occur.

Pakistan continues to deal with the impact of the devastating floods of 2022, which affected more than one-third of the country. WFP has been an essential partner in supporting nearly 4.4 million people since the flood crisis. The support has included a combination of immediate humanitarian aid, such as cash assistance for 1.7 million people in 2023, and longer-term efforts to build resilience and improve livelihoods.

Through this EU-supported project, many of Pakistan’s most vulnerable communities are now better equipped to face future challenges, from economic hardship to climate-related disasters. With improved infrastructure, stronger livelihoods, and enhanced emergency response capacities, these communities are on a more secure path to recovery.