ISLAMABAD: September 27 –
Federal minister industries and production Rana Tanveer Hussain chairing the 12th meeting of NCC on SME development, Federal Secretary I&P Saif Anjum and CEO SMEDA Mr. Socrat Aman Rana are also present
ISLAMABAD: September 27 –
Romina Khursheed for promoting hygiene practices
KARACHI/LASBELA, Sep 27 (APP):Coordinator to the Prime Minister for Climate Change, Romina Khursheed Alam, underscoring the importance of hygiene for living a healthy life, on Friday, urged the female students to spread the message of health and hygiene among their communities.
She was addressing a ceremony held at Government Girls Higher Secondary School Uthal town of District Lasbela Balochistan on conclusion of Health and Hygiene training under “She Power” project. She, at the occasion, also distributed health and hygiene kits among the students.
Romina Khursheed, addressing the ceremony, said that the role of women is equally important in our society. She expressed pleasure on being among the daughters of Balochistan and said that she would continue visiting them.
She underscored the importance of hygiene practices for healthy life and urged that safety and precautionary measures should be practiced in day-to-day life as done during the COVID-19 pandemic period.
She appealed the daughters of Balochistan to spread the message of health and hygiene among their communities as special messengers being the literate and aware members of the society.
The Hygiene kits consisting essential hygiene products were provided under the “She Power” project launched by the Embassy of Peoples Republic of China as a health sector initiative with objectives of improving the health and well-being of young girls.
The She Power project is aimed at promoting use of hygiene products and foster health awareness as well as addressing the critical health related requirements of girls in the Balochistan and 20,000 health and hygiene kits would be distributed among the female students across the region under the initiative.
Senator Samina Zehri, CEO Asian Synergy Neelam Hamid, and officials of revenue, health and education departments attended the ceremony.
Gilani highlights vital role of textile sector in national economy
LAHORE, Sep 27 (APP):Senate Chairman Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has underscored the significant contribution of the textile sector to Pakistan’s economy, emphasizing its role in the both employment and exports.
Speaking as the chief guest at the 7th International Conference on Textiles, titled “Inspiring Change: Challenges and Strides are the Wings of Success,” held at a local hotel on Friday, Gilani noted that textiles account for over 60 per cent of the country’s exports, a substantial share of the national income.
He acknowledged the industry’s role in providing livelihoods to thousands of workers and highlighted Pakistan’s potential in producing high-quality cotton, the backbone of the textile sector. He stressed the need for research and development to enhance cotton quality and reduce reliance on imported raw materials.
The Senate Chairman called for the production of innovative, high-quality textile products, emphasizing that reducing dependency on government subsidies would make industrialists more self-sufficient. He stressed the importance of remaining competitive on the global stage and urged the strengthening of Research and Development (R&D) from cotton cultivation to finished textile products.
He also highlighted the importance of advancing both traditional and modern sectors of the textile industry, stating that the parliament, particularly the Senate, plays a crucial role in crafting legislation that supports sustainable industrial growth. He emphasized the need for technological advancements and assured the Senate’s commitment to providing the best technology to the industry.
Praising the students talent displayed at the event, Gilani remarked that colleges and universities play a pivotal role in developing modern techniques, technologies, and designs for the textile industry. He expressed optimism about the future of Pakistan’s textile sector.
U.S. Consul General in Lahore, Kristin K. Hawkins, also addressed the conference, highlighting the mutual business ties between Pakistan and the United States.
Earlier, Gilani presented awards to standout participants in recognition of their contributions to the textile industry.
PM UNGA address reflects sentiments of Pakistanis, Kashmiris, Palestinians: Experts
PESHAWAR, Sep 27 (APP):Experts on Friday termed the historic address of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) inclusive, wide-ranging and true expression of the sentiments of Pakistani nation for the oppressed Kasmiris and Palestinians.
Talking to APP, Manzoorul Haq, former ambassador, welcomed the address of the prime minister for boldly highlighting the issues of regional and global significance including Israel’s war crimes at Gaza Palestine and human rights abuses at Indian held Kashmir.
He said the world was facing most daunting challenges to the world order such as Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, a dangerous conflict in Ukraine, destructive conflicts across Africa and Asia, rising geo-political tensions, resurging terrorism, galloping poverty, stifling debt and a mounting impact of climate change. He said great responsibilities rest on UN to take a lead role in addressing these challenges for world peace and prosperity.
“The UN has not lived up to expectations of oppressed Kashmiris for which it came into existence as the endless sufferings of the oppressed Kashmiris continued in the IIOJK that turned it into the world’s largest jail.
The PM Shehbaz Sharif again reminded the world body and its member countries about its commitment and promises in resolution of the long-pending Kashmir dispute that may put the region’s peace into jeopardy if not resolved soon, he said.
Muhammad Hussain Khateeb, Member All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC Gillani Group) said that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif had won the hearts and minds of all Kashmiris for highlighting the Kashmir dispute in its true perspective at the world highest diplomatic forums today.
He said Indian occupational forces’ war crimes, state terrorism and human rights abuses had made life a nightmare for over one million oppressed Kashmiris.
APHC leader said India had imposed military siege on some 10 million Kashmiris in IIOJK where over 900,000 Indian forces were deployed with no regards for human rights and Geneva Convention.
Since 1989, he said more than 162,000 Kashmiris had been subjected to inhuman torture by Indian forces, adding over 100,000 Kashmiris had been killed by Indian forces while more than 7,200 people murdered in custody of Indian army.
Professor Dr Adnan Sarwar Khan, former Chairman, International Relations Department welcomed the prime minister’s landmark address at UNGA for highlighting all key issues faced by Pakistan and Muslim Ummah effectively.
He said that Pakistan was a declared nuclear power with strong professional army having all abilities to give befitting response to Indian aggression.
Prime Minister has boldly highlighted the issue of terrorism, its negative impact on economy and Pakistan’s sacrfices in war against terrorism.
He said that premier has rightly called on India to reverse the unilateral and illegal measures, it has taken since 5 August 2019, and enter into a meaningful dialogue “for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions, and the wishes of the Kashmiri people”.
Adnan Sarwar said Pakistan had suffered huge economical and environmental losses due to climate-change induced weather patterns as evident of the 2010 and 2022 devastated floods.
Despite zero contribution in carbons emissions, Pakistan has been exposed to climate change’s vulnerability and great responsibility rest on economic and industrial powers and UNO to help Pakistan in combating this monster challenge.
He said the Premier has rightly underlined the importance of addressing the inequities in international economic relations and reforming the international financial architecture.
The experts praised Pakistan’s commitment, as an incoming member of the UN Security Council for the year 2025-26, to work with all UN Member States to uphold the UN Charter, prevent conflict, foster peace, and promote global prosperity.
Pakistan Muslim League-N KP Information Secretary, Ikhtair Wali Khan, former environment minister Wajid Ali Khan, Nazim Bahadar Khan, retired civil servant Misal Khan and others highly praised the address of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and termed it historic and was as per reflections of aspirations of 141 million people and Kashmiris.
They said PM Sharif had won hearts and minds of Kashmiris brothers and sisters for highlighting India’s atrocities at the held Kashmir. They said that situation has changed now and India could not subjugate Kashmiris anymore through force. They said the day was nearer when oppressed Kashmir would soon get freedom from Indian yoke.
Chairman HEC stresses measures for continuous sustainable development of higher education sector
ISLAMABAD, Sep 27 (APP):Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed has reiterated HEC’s commitment to materialising holistic development of higher education sector and extending utmost facilitation to the universities for their role in the country’s socio-economic development.
Sharing HEC’s accomplishments during the 4th meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Federal Education & Professional Training with Dr. Azim-ud-Din Zahid Lakhvi in the chair, the Chairman HEC emphasised the need for continuous support from the state to higher education sector to ensure sustainable development of higher education sector in the country.
He said that HEC, in line with its core objectives, has made remarkable progress in terms of enhancing access, quality and relevance while employing financing, regulations and capacity building as its tools.
He elaborated that the number of universities has reached 265 in the country. He maintained that the tertiary education rate was 2.1 percent before 2002, however it has now reached around 13 percent. Highlighting the improvement in gender parity in the enrolment ratio of male and female students in the higher education institutions, he revealed that the ratio was 68 percent male and 32 percent female students respectively before HEC, however it has now come closer to 52 percent males and 48 percent females.
He underlined that universities are meant for creation of knowledge, dissemination of knowledge, and integration of knowledge with society. He continued to say that the universities’ role has been remarkable in all the three areas. A single university today hits 1000 publications annually now, while the number of research publications in high-impact journals has grown significantly. He said that despite facing scarcity of funds, Pakistani universities are making their way to international rankings.
He said HEC spends a major part of its funding on development of human capital. He added that HEC has so far awarded as many as 3,97,250 scholarships under various HEC scholarship programmes. He proudly exclaimed that the Pakistani youth have a great potential. “For the third consecutive year, Pakistan has been ranked first in the world for the number of scholarships awarded under the Erasmus Mundus scholarships for the year 2024,” he underscored.
Dilating on the financial hardships facing the sector, Dr. Mukhtar apprised that the higher education sector has been facing a shortfall for the past several years. He explained that the sector faced a shortfall of Rs. 17.7 billion in 2018-19, which continuously increased with every passing year. “Now, the sector is confronted with a shortfall of Rs. 60.1 billion. HEC requirement was Rs. 125 billion, while the allocation is Rs. 65 billion,” he explained.
He stressed the need for considering allocation to the sector as an investment in the future of Pakistan, i.e., the country’s youth. He also underlined the need for provincial support to universities in addition to unabated funding from the centre. “Pakistan is blessed with highly capable youth and we have to invest in them for the sake of this country’s future,” he stressed.
The Chairman shed light on progress in the areas of quality and governance. He said HEC is putting strenuous efforts to provide pragmatic solutions to quality issues through regulatory interventions for smooth operations of the universities. In addition, he said, HEC has set up Quality Enhancement Cells (QECs) in 258 universities for monitoring and enhancing the education standards and implementing the quality assurance policies.
He said National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE) conducts training and workshops for the capacity building of HEIs leadership, administrative staff and faculty in addition to creating exposure opportunities for them. Nonetheless, he stated that there is a long way to go to fix various quality and governance problems of the universities.
Responding to a query of Mr. Rafiullah (MNA) regarding quality of education in the country, the Chairman HEC highlighted multiple factors affecting the quality of education and those include financial, administrative governance in the universities and external/internal interference in the affairs of the universities, causing multiple governance challenges for the institutes by affecting quality of learning as well as administrative and financial challenges.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed underlined HEC’s efforts for universities technological readiness. He said that HEC, while expanding Information Technology systems in the universities, has developed a futuristic state-of-the-art ICT infrastructure. He highlighted the expansion of Pakistan Education and Research Network (PERN), establishment of Smart Universities, connecting academia through a dedicated Video Conferencing Network, establishment of Cloud Computing-based Data Centres, starting a Learning Management System for distance education, and running Edu TV.
He said that HEC is focused on promoting applied and problem-solving research, innovation and entrepreneurship. The country, he noted, is faced with issues like climate change, food security, health, water scarcity, energy crisis, and lack of tolerance.
He underlined that HEC’s initiatives are oriented towards sorting out resolution to the prevailing issues. He highlighted the accomplishments made through different HEC measures, including Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORICs), Business Incubation Centres (BICs), Innovator Seed Fund, National Innovation Award, and National Centres of Excellence.
The meeting was attended by parliamentarians including Anjum Aqeel Khan, Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, Syed Sami Ul Hasan Gilani, Zeb Jaffar, Musarrat Asif Khawaja, Ms. Abdul Hakeem Baloch, Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Musarrat Rafique Mahesar, Abdul Aleem Khan, Sabheen Ghoury, Dawar Khan Kundi, and Muhammad Aslam Ghumman along with Secretary to the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, Executive Director HEC Dr. Zia Ul-Qayyum, and several other notable government officials.
Minister Muqam welcomes PM’s address at UNGA
ISLAMABAD, Sep 27 (APP):Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Engineer Amir Muqam, on Friday praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), highlighting the premier’s focus on key global issues, particularly the situations in Kashmir and Palestine.
Minister Amir Muqam commended the Prime Minister for bringing international attention to the ongoing atrocities in Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and Palestine.
In his statement, the minister remarked that the Prime Minister’s speech fully reflected the aspirations of both the Kashmiri and Palestinian people.
“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has courageously addressed the issue of human rights violations in Indian Illegaly Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and the plight of Palestinians.
His speech, was historic and deeply resonated with the sentiments of oppressed Muslims around the world,” stated Muqam.
During the address, the Prime Minister also shed light on the importance of resolving the long-standing issues in Kashmir and Palestine, calling for immediate international intervention to ensure peace and justice. The Federal Minister applauded this as a bold and necessary stance.
Furthermore, Muqam lauded the Prime Minister for speaking out against Islamophobia and advocating for the Muslim Ummah at the global forum, stating that Shehbaz Sharif had won the hearts of Muslims worldwide by addressing these critical issues.
The Federal Minister also praised the Pakistani delegation for walking out during the speech of the Israeli Prime Minister, calling it a commendable and principled move, symbolizing Pakistan’s firm stance on the Palestinian issue.
Engineer Amir Muqam noted that the Prime Minister’s speech has significantly elevated Pakistan’s image on the global stage, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to human rights and the well-being of oppressed people worldwide.
ECP prays for stay order against reserved seats judgment
ISLAMABAD, Sep 27 (APP): The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has filed more prayers in its review appeal to the Supreme Court and requested it to issue a stay order on the implementation of the reserved seats’ judgment.
The ECP, in its plea, said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) could not be given the relief of reserved seats which it had never claimed before any forum. It cited a judgment of the full court that a relief could not be given to one who did not claim it.
The Commission said that the independent candidates were bound to join a party within three days after elections. The independent members had submitted affidavits for joining the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), and those affidavits had been ignored in the judgment.
It said that in the detailed decision, the apex court limited 41 members to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and gave 15 days to the other independent members to declare their party affiliation.
The PTI members, the ECP said, could not reach the number 39 even if the certificates of Barrister Gohar were accepted. The candidates did not file the party affiliation declaration under Section 66, it said.
The Rule 34 was related to a political party having an election symbol, it added.
A vendor arranging and displaying the seasonal fruit (Dodi) to attract the customers at his roadside setup.
LARKANA: September 27 –
Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori launching the LONGI solar Panels Hi-MO 9 & Hi-MO X10.
KARACHI: September 27 –
Pak Embassy hosts Business & Investment Roundtable in Beijing
BEIJING, Sep 27 (APP): As part of ongoing efforts to promote investment cooperation between Pakistan and China, the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing hosted a Business and Investment Roundtable on Friday.
Minister for Board of Investment Abdul Aleem Khan, presided over the roundtable in which over three dozen Chinese companies participated.
The roundtable aimed to showcase investment opportunities, incentives and facilitations in Pakistan to attract Chinese investments in the fields of technology, infrastructure, logistics, constructions, energy, agriculture and pharmaceutical.
Ambassador of Pakistan to China Khalil Hashmi, in his welcome remarks, highlighted inter alia the growing momentum in B2B exchanges between the entrepreneurs of Pakistan and China.
He mentioned the successful B2B meetings in Shenzhen, Beijing, Karachi and Xian including participation in fairs, expos and conferences.
Minister Abdul Aleem Khan recalled the “iron-clad” friendship between Pakistan and China and noted that since the visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to China in June 2024, significant progress had been made in accelerating China-Pakistan business-to-business and investment cooperation.
He highlighted how CPEC served as a cornerstone of Pakistan-China economic cooperation and underlined that in its next phase, industrialization, especially through promotion of B2Bs, the development of SEZs, Export Processing Zones (EPZs), and the Gwadar Free Zone would be joint priority.
The minister pointed out the advantages of investing in Pakistan; such as skilled IT force, competitive wage rates, high consumer demand and attractive incentives for the Chinese companies.
He invited Chinese businesses to invest in housing, energy, transport, and logistics, mentioning the huge demand for housing units allied industries and housing finances in Pakistan.
The minister commended Ambassador Hashmi and his team for organizing the roundtable. He also apprised the companies about the forthcoming investment road shows in the next six months and urged them to participate in them.
Li Shuang, Mayor of Daming city; Qu Zongkuan, Deputy Mayor of Linyi city, Shandong province; Qin Linzheng, Chief Advisor of the China Society for Future Studies; and representatives of enterprises appreciated the outreach of the embassy and described the B2B exchange as very useful.
Three memorandums of understanding were also signed between Chinese and Pakistani companies on the occasion.