ISLAMABAD: September 21 –
CDA worker installs a model of floral butterfly at D Chowk enhancing the beauty of the federal capital.
ISLAMABAD: September 21 –
A laborers busy in loading sugarcane on delivery truck at Vegetable and Fruit Market in Federal Capital.
ISLAMBAD: September 21 –
UN must address India’s misinterpretation of peace, says AJK conference
MIRPUR, Sep 21 (APP):The Institute of Multi-Track Dialogue, Development, and Diplomatic Studies, in collaboration with Girls PG College Palandari, organized a Peace Conference titled ‘UN Must Rescue Peace from India’s Misinterpretations’ to mark International Peace Day, observed on September 21 each year.
According to details, the event gathered students, scholars, and top leadership from AJ&K to discuss the significance of peace in conflict zones like Kashmir and Palestine. The conference stressed that life, liberty, and property are universal rights, and restoring these rights is key to achieving global peace and harmony, particularly in South Asia.
Speakers called on the United Nations to take action against India’s misinterpretation of peace in these regions.
Prominent figures addressing the gathering included the Minister of Higher Education AJ&K, Mr. Malik Zaffar; MLA Sardar Mohammad Hussain; Special Advisor to the Prime Minister AJ&K, Ms. Nabeela Ayub; Divisional Director of Education, Mr. Shamsi; College Principal, Ms. Nazia Akbar; and Director of IDDS, Dr. Waleed Rasool.
Mr. Malik Zaffar, the chief guest, highlighted the essential role of education in fostering global peace, stating that academia serves as a credible institution capable of bridging gaps, promoting peace, and enhancing Pakistan’s image internationally.
He emphasized that peace and war cannot coexist and urged the global community to recognize India’s actions in Kashmir as a threat to regional stability and human rights.
MLA Sardar Mohammad Hussain echoed these sentiments, stressing that peace is the foundation of a just and equal world. He reiterated that Pakistan, being the largest contributor to UN peacekeeping missions, has always stood for peace but remains strong in its resolve to defend justice.
Ms. Nabeela Ayub, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister, reminded attendees of the original purpose of international institutions like the UN, which was to safeguard global peace and prevent future conflicts.
She urged the global community to dismantle India’s misrepresentation of peace, ensuring the restoration of the fundamental rights of Kashmiris under Indian occupation.
Dr. Waleed Rasool called for unity in the face of external threats, especially India’s aggressive posturing. He advocated for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to adopt a collective security mechanism, similar to NATO’s Article 5, to strengthen its geopolitical role.
The event concluded with the distribution of academic awards, and students presented a tableau underscoring the global responsibility to resolve the Kashmir issue peacefully.
Principal Ms. Nazia Akbar expressed her gratitude to the participants, stressing that collective action is necessary for bringing peace to Kashmir and Palestine.
At the end, participants reaffirmed the call for the UN to contain India’s misinterpretation of peace to ensure justice and stability in the region.
Computer, AI classes start at 150 primary schools of FDE
ISLAMABAD, Sep 21 (APP):In a significant step towards enhancing digital literacy and preparing young minds for the future, the Islamabad education sector is set to launch computer and AI classes in 150 primary schools of Federal Directorate of Education by next week.
This initiative aims to equip students with essential tech skills and knowledge, fostering a generation ready for the challenges of an increasingly digital world, said a press release here yesterday.
The program is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Federal education and the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), ensuring that the curriculum is both innovative and relevant and computer fellows are both qualified and trained.
Designed in consultation with leading technology companies, the curriculum focuses on foundational computer skills and artificial intelligence concepts, tailored to engage young learners effectively.
To support this educational initiative, the IT infrastructure in these schools will be upgraded to meet the needs of students, providing them with access to the latest technology and resources.
This commitment to quality education aligns with the government’s vision of improving digital education across the country.
Parents and educators can look forward to an exciting new chapter in their children’s education, paving the way for future opportunities in the tech landscape.
With the launch of these classes, Islamabad takes a proactive step towards nurturing the next generation of innovators and leaders in technology, it added.
ICCI elects Nasir Mansoor Qureshi as President
ISLAMABAD, Sep 21 (APP):The election for the office bearers of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) was held at Chamber House on Saturday in which Nasir Mansoor Quresh was elected as President, Abdul Rahman Siddiqui, Senior Vice President and Nasir Mehmood Chaudhry, as Vice President.
All the candidates were elected unopposed and will formally take over the charge of their offices on October 1, 2024, said a news release.
Speaking at the occasion, the newly elected President Nasir Mansoor Qureshi said that he would strive hard for the progress and prosperity of business community by focusing on resolving its issues.
He said that the liaison with business related government departments and other relevant organizations would be further strengthened to address the problems of trade and industry.
He said that he would take the fraternity on board on important issues and for ease of doing businesses.
He said that workable proposals would be given to the government for creating conducive environment for business activities.
There is a need to pave the way for international investment in the country at this time, by working on it and his team will create opportunities for trade and investment in the global market by connecting local businessmen with the international market, he added.
President ICCI Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari congratulated the newly elected office bearers and assured them of his full support and cooperation in their endeavors aimed at resolving the key issues of the business community.
He also thanked all the members for their votes to the candidates of the Founder Group and enabling them to achieve historic win.
He highlighted the key achievements of his tenure and expressed hope that the new team would accomplish many more milestones for ICCI and the business community.
Khalid Iqbal Malik, Chairman Founder Group congratulated the newly elected office bearers and said that their unopposed election reflected the trust and confidence of business community on the leadership of Founder Group.
He hoped that the new office bearers would work hard to take ICCI to higher levels of growth and development so that it could play more effective role in promoting the interests of the community.
Former President ICCI and Secretary General United Business Group (UBG) Zafar Bakhtawari while congratulating the newly elected office bearers expressed the hope that they will leave no stone unturned in serving the fraternity and further promoting the image of the Chamber.
Newly elected Senior Vice President Abdul Rahman Siddiqui said that connecting local businessmen with regional and global markets and increasing trade will remain the part of their core vision.
Newly elected Vice President Nasir Mahmood Chaudhry said that they are well aware of the problems being faced by the community at present and are fully prepared to get resolved these challenges.
SVP Faad Waheed, VP Engr. Azhar ul Islam Zafar, Founder Group senior members Zubair Ahmed Malik, Khalid Javed, Abdur Rauf Allam, Mian Akram Farid, Mian Shaukat Masud,Muhammad Ejaz Abbasi, Ch. Waheed ud Din, Shaikh Tariq Sadiq, Group leader Blue area Yousaf Rajput, President All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajraan Ajmal Baloch and other have felicitated the newly elected office bearers of ICCI and expressed good wishes for them.
The Chief Election Commissioner Zahid Maqbool, along with the Commission’s members Khalid Chaudhry and Zaheer ud Din Babar announced the results.
CDA launches Technology & Digitalization Wing block
ISLAMABAD, Sep 21 (APP):The Capital Development Authority (CDA), under the directives of its Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa, has taken a significant step towards modernization by officially launching its Technology and Digitalization Wing block.
This milestone marks a new era in the Authority’s operations as it transitions to a corporate model and collaborative working culture, aiming to streamline services and enhance efficiency, said a press release.
On the occasion of the launch, Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa said the future of public service delivery lies in embracing modern technology and adopting corporate best practices.
As part of this initiative, the newly established Technology and Digitalization Wing block, has been made operational.
This block is equipped with state-of-the-art hardware and software to enhance efficiency. A corporate-style work
environment has been introduced, featuring open desks work environment and an open-door policy to enhance efficiency and transparency.
The implementation of this modern technology is part of a broader initiative aimed at increasing transparency in office operations and improving overall performance.
By leveraging modern technology in this block, the CDA aims to enhance transparency and improve operational efficiency. Initially, this corporate culture and advanced technology has been implemented in the Technology and Digitalization Wing, with plans to extend it to other wings of the CDA in the near future.
One of the main feature introduced by the wing is an advanced e-filing system, paperless working environment which is set to replace the traditional paper-based filing system.
This shift is expected to reduce reliance on physical documents, cutting down on paper usage and reducing operational costs.
This transition promises to streamline processes, making it easier to access and manage documents efficiently.
This transformation is aligned with the broader national vision of a Digital Islamabad , with the CDA playing its role in bringing that vision into practice at its operational level.
Bilawal turns 36, celebrates birthday
KARACHI, Sep 21 (APP): The Chairman of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has turned 36 years old and celebrated his birthday at Bilawal House here on Saturday.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari cut his birthday cake along with first lady Asifa Bhutto Zardari and PPP Women’s Central President Faryal Talpur.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, former Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah and PPP members of Provincial and National Assemblies as well as Senators participated in the birthday.
The PPP Chairman was congratulated on his birthday by PPP Sindh President Nisar Khoro, General Secretary Waqar Mehdi, Information Secretary Ajiz Dhamra and other party workers and parliamentarians.
Mohsin Naqvi meets Chinese delegation led by minister Chen Mingguo
ISLAMABAD, Sep 21 (APP): Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with a high-level Chinese delegation led by Minister for Political and Legal Affairs Chen Mingguo, on Saturday.
Minister for Interior warmly welcomed Minister Chen Minguo and his delegation upon their arrival at the Ministry of Interior.
During the meeting, it was agreed to enhance cooperation in various fields, including counter-terrorism, cross-border cooperation, anti-smuggling, and anti-narcotics efforts.
During the meeting, Pakistan-China relations, particularly with Xinjiang, and matters of mutual interest were discussed.
During the meeting, it was agreed to conduct joint police and paramilitary forces exercises in Gilgit-Baltistan or Xinjiang and train Gilgit-Baltistan police officers at the Xinjiang Police Academy.
During the meeting, it was also agreed that comprehensive measures would be taken against terrorism which is a global issue. It was also decided that a Pakistani delegation, led by the Federal Secretary of Interior, would soon visit Xinjiang to enhance mutual cooperation.
Chinese Minister Chen Mingguo also invited Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to visit Xinjiang.
Mohsin Naqvi said that Xinjiang province is of vital importance for Pakistan in it’s relations with China. He underscored that besides being Pakistan’s neighbor, we have a 600-kilometer-long border with Xinjiang.
He added that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project also passes through Xinjiang. He emphasized that Pakistan wants to completely eliminate smuggling of drugs, arms, and all other goods.
He noted that the visit of the Pakistani delegation to Xinjiang would open new avenues for strengthening mutual cooperation.
Minister Chen Mingyuo expressed the desire to enhance relations with Pakistan in all fields.
He said that terrorism is a common problem, adding that Xinjiang had suffered from it for many years.
He highlighted that Pakistan can benefit from Xinjiang’s experience in counter-terrorism.
Pakistan-China relations, particularly with Xinjiang, and matters of mutual interest were discussed during the meeting.
The Chinese delegation included Xinjiang’s Deputy Secretary of the Committee of Parliamentary and Legal Affairs, Executive Director General of Police, and Vice President of Xinjiang Police Academy. Secretary Interior Khurram Ali Agha, Special Secretary Interior Waqas Ali Mahmood, and Additional Secretary Interior Nazar Muhammad Buzdar were also present on the occasion.
IRSA releases 198,300 cusecs water
ISLAMABAD, Sep 21 (APP):Indus River System Authority (IRSA) on Saturday released 198,300 cusecs water from various rim stations with inflow of 138,200 cusecs.
According to the data released by IRSA, water level in River Indus at Tarbela Dam was 1539.91 feet and was 141.91 feet higher than its dead level of 1,398 feet. Water inflow and outflow in the dam was recorded as 79,600 cusecs and 110,000 cusecs respectively.
The water level in River Jhelum at Mangla Dam was 1223.65 feet, which was 175.65 feet higher than its dead level of 1,050 feet. The inflow and outflow of water was recorded 15,300 cusecs and 45,000 cusecs respectively.
The release of water at Kalabagh, Taunsa , Guddu and Sukkur was recorded as 90,000, 112,600, 88,400 and 36,800 cusecs respectively.
Similarly, from River Kabul, a total of 19,200 cusecs of water released at Nowshera and 4,300 cusecs released from River Chenab at Marala.
Mohsin Naqvi pays homage to Martyrs on International Peace Day
ISLAMABAD, Sep 21 (APP): In his special message on International Peace Day, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said that the Almighty Allah created the world for peace and harmony.
He added that homes, streets, neighborhoods, societies, villages, cities, countries, regions, and continents look beautiful and livable only with peace.
He stated that chaos and disorder cause widespread devastation and pose multiple threats to peace.
The Interior Minister expressed concern that societies are currently divided into groups, factions, and sects, harming the efforts for peace around the world.
He said that regional conflicts have endangered peace in every region, severely affecting the desire for peace.
He emphasized that global powers must take practical and pragmatic steps toward sustainable peace beyond verbal commitments.
He reiterated that regions entangled in conflicts including occupied Kashmir, Palestine, and others yearn for peace, while the silence of global powers makes no sense.
Mohsin Naqvi also highlighted Pakistan’s constructive role in ensuring global peace, particularly during difficult times.
He said that Pakistan has played the role of vanguard in UN peace missions.
He added that several brave soldiers of Pakistan’s peace missions were martyred during efforts to restore peace and stability in dangerous and turbulent regions.
He stated that the sacrifices of martyred brave officers and soldiers in the path of peace will always be remembered.
He also stressed the need to remember those people who sacrificed their lives to establish peace in the country.