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PWD DG holds consultation meeting on Punjab Population Policy draft

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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LAHORE, Sep 30 (APP):Population Welfare Department (PWD) Punjab in collaboration with the United Nations Population Funds (UNFPA) organised a focused consultation meeting on the draft Punjab Population Policy, here on Monday.
Population Welfare Officers, and representatives of UNFPA, IRMNCH, P&SHCD, and P&D participated.
Director General Population Welfare Department Saman Rai and Additional Secretary Tech, Dr Naila Altaf presided over the session while Consultant Dr Tauseef presented the draft policy.
The DG PWD said that 2024 would be a significant milestone for UNFPA. It marks the implementation review of the International Conference on Population and Development Agenda. She added that it would also look at the mid-term review of the UNFPA Strategic Plan 2022-2025 as well as future UN summits. These milestones were taking place against a backdrop of growing humanitarian crises, changing geopolitical contexts, growing inequality, climate impacts, increasing misinformation and continued push back against reproductive health and rights, the DG added.
Saman Rai said that the monthly sufficiency in the field outlets and the procurement status of contraceptive drugs during the financial year were also updated. To achieve the objectives, she stressed on studying the existing contraceptive use behavior so that strategies could be developed accordingly.
The Population Welfare Department continues to make significant progress in its mission of promoting family planning and reproductive health across the region, the DG added and said Pakistan had aligned its FP2030 commitments with its national targets based on the Composite Coverage Index (CCI) recommendations and the targets set for the National Action Plan for the completion of CCI-recommended key areas for strengthening family planning.

Ambassador of Pakistan to China H.E. Khalil Hashmi with Air Marshal Jia Zhigang, Deputy Commander Peoples Liberation Army (Air Force) of China cutting the cake at a solemn ceremony commemorating Defence & Martyrs Day honoring the bravery and sacrifices of the Pakistan Armed Forces.

By
Wajid
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APP34-300924 BEIJING: September 30- Ambassador of Pakistan to China H.E. Khalil Hashmi with Air Marshal Jia Zhigang, Deputy Commander Peoples Liberation Army (Air Force) of China cutting the cake at a solemn ceremony commemorating Defence & Martyrs Day honoring the bravery and sacrifices of the Pakistan Armed Forces.
Ambassador of Pakistan to China H.E. Khalil Hashmi with Air Marshal Jia Zhigang, Deputy Commander Peoples Liberation Army (Air Force) of China cutting the cake at a solemn ceremony commemorating Defence & Martyrs Day honoring the bravery and sacrifices of the Pakistan Armed Forces.
APP34-300924
BEIJING: September 30- Ambassador of Pakistan to China H.E. Khalil Hashmi with Air Marshal Jia Zhigang, Deputy Commander Peoples Liberation Army (Air Force) of China cutting the cake at a solemn ceremony commemorating Defence & Martyrs Day honoring the bravery and sacrifices of the Pakistan Armed Forces.

Ambassador of Pakistan to China, H.E. Khalil Hashmi addressing at Defence & Martyrs Day ceremony observed by the Embassy of Pakistan in China, Beijing on September 30, 2024.

Ambassador of Pakistan to China H.E. Khalil Hashmi with Air Marshal Jia Zhigang, Deputy Commander Peoples Liberation Army (Air Force) of China cutting the cake at a solemn ceremony commemorating Defence & Martyrs Day honoring the bravery and sacrifices of the Pakistan Armed Forces.
APP36-300924
BEIJING: September 30-The Embassy of Pakistan in China commemorated Defence & Martyrs Day with a solemn ceremony, honoring the bravery and sacrifices of the Pakistan Armed Forces. Ambassador of Pakistan to China H.E. Khalil Hashmi with Air Marshal Jia Zhigang, Deputy Commander Peoples Liberation Army (Air Force) of China who was the Chief guest of the ceremony- Beijing.

Executive Director of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) Mohammed Aamir Jan chairing a meeting with TVET Institute under PM’s Youth Skill Development Programme at FPCCI here on Monday. NAVTTC Sindh Director General (DG) Aziz Chandio is also seen in the picture.

By
Wajid
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APP37-300924 KARACHI: September 30 - Executive Director of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) Mohammed Aamir Jan chairing a meeting with TVET Institute under PM's Youth Skill Development Programme at FPCCI here on Monday. NAVTTC Sindh Director General (DG) Aziz Chandio is also seen in the picture.
Executive Director of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) Mohammed Aamir Jan chairing a meeting with TVET Institute under PM's Youth Skill Development Programme at FPCCI here on Monday. NAVTTC Sindh Director General (DG) Aziz Chandio is also seen in the picture.
APP37-300924
KARACHI: September 30 – 

Hot, humid, partly cloudy weather forecast for city

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
LAHORE, Sep 30 (APP):Hot, humid and partly cloudy weather continued to prevail in the city on Monday while the MET office predicted similar weather conditions for the next 24 hours.
The MET officials said continental air was prevailing over most parts of the country while a shallow trough of westerly wave was present over western parts. They predicted that hot and dry weather was expected in most parts of the country.
Rainfall was recorded at some cities in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Monday’s highest temperature was recorded at Dadu where mercury reached 42°C while in Lahore it was 34.5°C and minimum was 24.5°C.

The newly elected office bearers of the Chamber of Commerce, President Ikramul Haque, are offering dua on the occasion of assuming charge after the AGM.

By
Wajid
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APP38-300924 SIALKOT: September 30-The newly elected office bearers of the Chamber of Commerce, President Ikramul Haque, are offering dua on the occasion of assuming charge after the AGM.
The newly elected office bearers of the Chamber of Commerce, President Ikramul Haque, are offering dua on the occasion of assuming charge after the AGM.
APP38-300924
SIALKOT: September 30-

CDA, Chinese officials to explore collaboration on data centers

By
Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Sep 30 (APP):A virtual meeting was held between the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Chinese officials, to explore opportunities for collaboration in the field of big data and the establishment of Tier-Four Data Centers in Pakistan.
The high-level meeting included the participation of executives from leading Chinese companies, and acting Chairman CDA Talat Mehmood Gondal, along with Member Technology and Digitalization Nauman Khalid and other senior officials.
Talat Mehmood Gondal underscored Pakistan’s strong commitment to advancing its digital infrastructure and welcomed Chinese investment in the country’s rapidly expanding digital economy, said a news release.
He highlighted the immense potential for growth in big data and digitalization, noting that this partnership would play a key role in positioning Pakistan as a hub for big data innovation.
“We see great opportunities to collaborate with our Chinese counterparts, bringing cutting-edge technology and expertise to Pakistan. This collaboration will significantly boost Pakistan’s digital economy,” said Nauman Khalid, Member Technology and Digitalization at CDA.
During the meeting, the Chinese delegation expressed strong interest in Pakistan’s digital transformation efforts, offering their expertise in developing big data systems and Tier-Four Data Centers.
Senior officials from Guizhou Province briefed the Pakistani delegation on their capabilities and reiterated China’s willingness to invest in Pakistan’s growing digital sector.
Both sides agreed to continue discussions, with the Chinese side committed to submitting concrete proposals for collaboration.
A draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is set to be prepared and shared through Pakistan’s Foreign Office.
This MoU will serve as a framework for long-term cooperation between Pakistan and Chinese companies, aimed at enhancing Pakistan’s digital infrastructure and fostering innovation in the big data field.

Speaker NA extends congratulations to leadership, people of China on National Day

By
NNPS Desk
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Ayaz Sadiq

ISLAMABAD, Sep 30 (APP): Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq conveyed heartfelt congratulations to the President of China, Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Zhao Leji, on the eve of the 75th Foundation Day of the Republic of China, which is celebrated annually across China on October, 1.

In his felicitation message, Speaker Sadiq lauded the exemplary leadership and wise vision of the late Chairman Mao Zedong, whose unparalleled contributions have propelled China to socio-economic excellence and established it as a leading economic power on the global stage. “Sino-Pak friendship is testament to shared socio-economic vision of regional stability”, he stated.

The Speaker highlighted the transformative joint economic and infrastructure ventures between the two nations, particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is a flagship project of One-Belt and One-Road initiative. “CPEC along with revolutionizing International trade will also elevate Pakistan’s economy, harnessing its strategic location for greater global connectivity,” he emphasized.

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq further noted the deep-rooted and cordial diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, based on mutual respect and brotherhood. Over the years, this relationship has evolved into an All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, leading to the formation of a significant regional organization, Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the shared unanimity of views on Climate-Change and other issues on multi-lateral forums. This alliance between Pakistan & China has played a pivotal role in fostering socio-economic and political stability in the region.

The Speaker stated that, the Sino-Pak friendship has created far-reaching positive externalities, benefiting not only the two countries but the entire region, creating opportunities that were previously unimaginable.

Evidence-based policy key to solving Pakistan’s education crisis: Sohail Akhter

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Sep 30 (APP): Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (MoFEPT) Sohail Akhter emphasized the Ministry’s critical role in addressing Pakistan’s urgent education challenges during his speech at the two-day workshop on “Facilitating and Communicating Research for Policy Planning and Decision-Making” held here on Monday.
The event was organized by the Pakistan Institute of Education (PIE) and Oxford Policy Management (OPM) under the Dare-RC project.
Akhter highlighted the importance of evidence-based policymaking in tackling systemic issues, including out-of-school children (OOSC), gender disparity in enrollment, and the rural-urban education divide.
He noted, “Our policies must be informed by thorough analysis, focusing on districts where female enrollment remains low and addressing foundational learning deficits worsened by the pandemic.”
Akhter also called for collaboration beyond the education sector, including partnerships with ministries like the Ministry of Climate Change (MoCC), to introduce green and climate education into national curricula.
Dr. M. Shahid Soroya from PIE also addressed the workshop, focusing on the Ministry’s leadership in coordinating with provincial governments to ensure the effective implementation of research-driven policies.
“While PIE operates at the federal level, we must work closely with the provinces to ensure that the research we generate is not just theoretical but translated into actionable policies that make a tangible impact on education outcomes,” Dr. Soroya stated.
He reiterated the importance of sustained collaboration between federal and provincial bodies to align research efforts with on-the-ground realities.
Adding to the discussion, Harris Khalique from Oxford Policy Management (OPM) underscored the necessity of integrating research into the policymaking process at every stage.
He noted that research should not merely inform policy but drive continuous improvements as evidence is gathered.
 “We need to foster a culture where decisions are backed by data, and where research doesn’t just react to crises but anticipates future challenges and proactively shapes the policy landscape,” he said.
The closing remarks were delivered by Dr. Zeigham Qadeer, Director of the Research Wing at PIE, who expressed optimism about the workshop’s impact on strengthening service delivery in the education sector.
He emphasized the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to evidence-based policy formulation and stressed the need for enhanced collaboration between research producers, policymakers, and provincial education departments.
“We are hopeful that this training will lead to more effective service delivery and a more robust educational system that responds to the real needs of the population,” Dr. Qadeer stated.
The workshop concluded with a reaffirmation of MoFEPT’s commitment to addressing the country’s education challenges, including the introduction of initiatives like school meals and evening shifts to bring children back to school.
However, the speakers agreed that provincial collaboration would be essential to effectively meeting the needs of Pakistan’s growing young population. Through the DARE-RC project, the Ministry continues to foster a culture of research-backed decision-making, driving progress for Pakistan’s children and the country’s future.

UNICEF delegation visits BISP office to learn from social protection and cash transfer initiatives

By
NNPS Desk
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0
UNICEF

ISLAMABAD, Sep 30 (APP): A delegation from United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), visited the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) headquarters on Monday to study BISP’s successful social protection and cash transfer programs for potential implementation of similar programmes in other countries as well.

The delegation included prominent representatives of UNICEF from various countries: Abdullah Fadil, Representative of Pakistan, Alice Akunga, Representative of Nepal, Andrea James, Representative of Bhutan, Cairan O Toole, Regional Chief of Programme, Christian Skoog, Representative of Sri Lanka, Cynthia McCaffrey, Representative of India, Edward Addai, Representative of Maldives, Noala Skinner, Deputy Regional Director, Pia Rebello Britto, Global Director of Education, Rana Flowers, Representative of Bangladesh, Sanjay Wijesekera, Regional Director, Sharmeela Rassool, Deputy Representative Programme, UNICEF Pakistan, Larissa Bruun, Chief of Partnerships, UNICEF Pakistan, Anteneh Girma Minas, Chief of Nutrition, UNICEF Pakistan, Sadaf Zulfiqar, OIC Chief of Social Policy, UNICEF Pakistan, Xinyi Ge, Programme Specialist, UNICEF Pakistan.

The key objectives of the meeting were to gain insights into BISP’s operational efficiency, assess its impact on vulnerable populations, and explore how BISP integrates with other social protection initiatives.

The delegation aimed to understand these aspects to potentially adapt and implement similar programs in their respective countries.

During the meeting, Senator Rubina Khalid emphasized that BISP is the realization of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s vision.

She highlighted the unique strength of the program, which has empowered Pakistani women by providing them with an identity and taking ownership of the country’s most vulnerable.

“BISP embodies the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto by not only empowering women but also giving them an identity and a voice in our society,” Senator Rubina Khalid remarked.

She also announced BISP’s upcoming poverty graduation program, aimed at enhancing beneficiaries’ livelihoods through skill development.

This initiative will enable them and their families to contribute to the national economy while ensuring that more deserving individuals can benefit from the program.

Secretary BISP, Amer Ali Ahmad, briefed the delegation on BISP’s robust payment system and the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER), which serves as the backbone of the program.

Naveed Akbar, DG BISP highlighted the reliability of BISP database for social protection programs across Pakistan.

The delegation also visited the BISP One-Window Center, where they reviewed its operations and services.

Awais Leghari expresses displeasure over DISCOs’ management with unsatisfactory performance

By
Kamran Muraad
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0
ISLAMABAD, Sep 30 (APP):Federal Minister of Energy (Power Division) Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari on Monday expressed displeasure over the management of power distribution companies (DISCOs) with unsatisfactory performance.
Presiding over the meeting to review performance of DISCOs, the minister reviewed line losses and bill collection performance for the months of July and August, said a statement issued here.
The Chairmen of the Boards and Chief Executive Officers of DISCOs participated in the meeting.
He said that strict administrative action would be taken against officers of unsatisfactory companies.
The chairmen and CEOs gave a detailed briefing over the situation, measures and problems of their respective companies.
The minister said that every company needed to adopt a more proactive strategy to reduce line losses and improve recoveries so that the financial conditions of the companies could be improved.
Furthermore, the minister directed all the authorities to hold a review meeting on the 10th of every month and he would also review the monthly performance of the DISCOs.
He  reiterated that owing to the efforts of the government, there would be an increase in recoveries and a clear reduction in line losses in the upcoming months.
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