ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD
A mesmerizing view of the federal capital with clouds hovering over the mountains
ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD
An antiques dealer shows a timeless treasure to an eager customer at Afghan market Sarafa bazar
PESHAWAR
A flock of ducks swimming in a local stream at Khaza area
PESHAWAR
High Commissioner Rabia Shafiq met with Tony Kettinger, COO, Golden Agri-Resources, a global seed to shelf agribusiness, headquartered in Singapore and discussed trade & investment prospects in Pakistan especially in food & corporate farm
SINGAPORE
Planning minister highlights importance of developing ‘exemplary’ governance model for ICT
ISLAMABAD, Sep 19 (APP): Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Thursday underscored the importance of developing an ‘exemplary’ governance model for Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).
“Islamabad’s size is neither too large nor too small, making it a suitable area for implementing innovative governance practices that can serve as a model for other provinces,” he said while chairing the PM Committee on ICT Governance Model, a news release said.
Among others, the meeting was attended by key officials, including Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Health, Awais Manzur Sumra, Secretary, Ministry of Planning, Secretary of Education, Additional Secretaries from various line ministries, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, and the Director of the Capital Development Authority (CDA).
During the meeting, Chief Governance Javed Sikandar presented governance models adopted by countries such as the USA, Brazil, Australia, Mexico, Nigeria, Malaysia, and India.
The minister noted that Islamabad’s manageable size offered an ideal environment to pilot governance reforms that could later be replicated in other regions.
He highlighted the unique governance challenges faced by ICT due to the absence of a provincial assembly and administrative autonomy.
He called upon the committee to explore whether Islamabad required a provincial-like government structure or whether a more robust local government model would be a better alternative.
Furthermore, the minister expressed concern over the duplication of responsibilities among various entities, such as the Capital Development Authority (CDA), the Ministry of Interior, and line ministries, which led to inefficiencies in governance.
He stressed the need to consolidate administrative authority and ensure professional management in sectors like health
and education.
Reflecting on his experiences in provincial settings, Ahsan Iqbal pointed out the gap between the significant resources allocated to education and health and the management capacity in those sectors.
He mentioned that billions of rupees were spent on education and health at the district level, yet the management, does not match the scale of resources invested.
He urged the committee to consider developing a model in Islamabad that sets a national standard for excellence in these sectors.
The minister also emphasized the importance of creating a strong local government system that could address municipal and local issues effectively, noting that centralized governance structures are often unable to resolve local matters.
He stressed that local problems were best solved by empowered and efficient local governments.
Ahsan Iqbal reiterated the committee’s mandate to develop a comprehensive reform package for ICT governance, aimed at creating a more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centered administrative structure.
He invited suggestions from all attendees on how best to move forward with these reforms.
The PM Committee on ICT Governance Model has been formed to evaluate international governance models for capital cities and develop a framework for Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) that provides administrative and financial autonomy similar to provincial governments.
The committee will assess the capacity of ICT’s local administration for efficient service delivery in devolved sectors like health and education and draft a transition plan outlining an organizational structure, financial resources, and implementation timelines.
Additionally, it will review the legislative framework for ICT’s local government and address any other relevant issues.
The Ministry of Interior will support the committee, which will submit its report to the prime minister within 30 days.
ICC delegation visits Pindi Stadium
ISLAMABAD, Sep 19 (APP): The International Cricket Council (ICC) delegation visited the Pindi Stadium, Rawalpindi on Thursday to review the arrangements for the ICC Champions Trophy.
The delegation was led by Wasim Khan (ICC General Manager) and included David Musgrave (Security Manager), Sarah Edgar (Senior Manager of Events), Aun Muhammad Zaidi (Event Manager) and Mansoor Manj (ICC Broadcast Consultant).
The ICC delegation reviewed the up-gradation and available facilities at Pindi Stadium and was also briefed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials on the occasion. The ICC delegation also met with the security officials.
The delegation, which had already visited the National Stadium Karachi, will also visit the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.
Miladun Nabi (PBUH) celebrated at Pakistan embassy in Senegal
DAKAR (Senegal), Sep 19 (APP): The Embassy of Pakistan in Senegal on Thursday organised a Mehfil-e-Miladun Nabi, commemorating the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) with religious fervor marked with special prayers and Naats.
A significant number of Pakistani women in Senegal joined Ambassador Saima Sayed to offer their respect to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and to highlight his teachings on the occasion of his birth, according to a press release.
Ambassador Saima highlighted the significance of the day and stressed on the importance of embracing the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in our personal and professional lives.
Naats were recited and prayers were offered for the well being of Pakistan and peace and prosperity of Muslims all over the world.
PDCA, PBBF delegations meet Rana Sanaullah
ISLAMABAD, Sep 19 (APP): The delegations of the Pakistan Deaf Cricket Association (PDCA) and Pakistan Bodybuilding Federation (PBBF) met with Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah on Thursday.
He praised the Pakistan deaf cricket team’s outstanding achievements, particularly their T-20 World Cup victory in March 2024, which brought international recognition to Pakistan, said a statement issued here.
Rana Sanaullah, who also holds the portfolio of Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) revealed that the team has expressed interest in meeting the prime minister to share their success story. The government, he assured, firmly supports the Deaf cricket team’s endeavors.
Additionally, the Pakistan Bodybuilding Federation discussed collaborative efforts with the Pakistan Sports Board to enhance the sport’s development and the federation’s growth.
BISP arranges annual Milad event
ISLAMABAD, Sep 19 (APP): Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid on Thursday said that the life of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) is a perfect example for mankind.
She was speaking during the annual Milad event held at the BISP headquarters in Islamabad to celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
She remarked that the life of the Prophet (PBUH) provides a perfect model not only for faith and worship but also for all aspects of life.
His teachings offer solutions to numerous challenges faced by the world, including those of the present day.
Speakers at the event highlighted the exemplary life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasizing that his life embodies obedience to the Almighty, justice, fairness, compassion and love towards all human beings.
The teachings of the Prophet Peace Be Upon Him on the oneness of Allah, social justice, human rights, gender equality, and the welfare of the disadvantaged reflect the comprehensiveness and universality of the message of Islam.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Chairperson Rubina Khalid, along with the employees, prayed for the development and security of Pakistan.
Pakistan elected member of IAEA BOG
ISLAMABAD, Sep 19 (APP): Pakistan was elected Member of the Board of Governors (BOG) of International Atomic Energy Agency for the 21st time since becoming member of the agency.
The honour reflects Pakistan and Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission’s active participation in the visionary initiatives of IAEA in use of atoms for peace and development, said a news release received here on Thursday.
The 68th General Conference (GC) has brought many laurels and honours for the South East Asian country that are very significant in nature.
Earlier Nuclear Medicine, Oncology and Radiotherapy Institute (NORI), a flagship hospital of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) in Islamabad earned accolades at international level when its contribution in cancer diagnosis, treatment and sharing of expertise with regional member states was acknowledged by none other than the Director General (DG) of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Grossi himself during the two sideline events of the ongoing 68th General Conference.
The first sideline event, organized by the IAEA Secretariat, was titled “Realizing Hope for All: Rays of Hope Anchor Centres – One Year On”.
It is pertinent to mention that Rays of Hope Anchor Centres play a pivotal role in advancing equitable cancer care through targeted support to neighboring countries in key areas such as education, training, research, innovation and quality assurance.
Marking one year since the signing of the first five IAEA Anchor Centres, the event was held to spotlight the progress these centres have achieved; activities under way; and directions for the way forward.
It also highlighted the wide range of IAEA innovations – ground-breaking research, cutting-edge databases, state-of-the-art e-learning and virtual reality tools, to name but a few – that Anchor Centres can utilize to conduct their critical work more effectively.
On this occasion, Rafael Mariano Grossi, while recalling his visit to the hospital during his two-day official tour of Pakistan from February 15-16 last year, poured NORI hospital with appreciation for being a leader in facilities, expertise as well as willingness to share with less-equipped centres of cancer care in the region.
He further said that he was very impressed with state-of-the-art facilities at NORI hospital Islamabad and, owing to the immense potential of NORI; the hospital was among the first five prestigious anchor centres on health in the world designated by IAEA under Rays of Hope initiative.
“Now that one year has passed, NORI has shown impressive and exemplary progress among the Anchor Centres which is commendable. Chairman PAEC, Director NORI, dedicated doctors and the whole staff deserves appreciation for showing wonderful progress,”Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi concluded.
The second side event of the GC was a Member State Event organized by Pakistan and was titled, “Pakistan – IAEA: Collaboration of Hope”. The event highlighted Atomic Energy Cancer Hospital (AECH) – NORI, one of the nineteen cancer hospitals of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission and a major resource hospital for capacity building of health professionals involved in diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
The side event highlighted the contributions of AECHs in the management of cancer burden in Pakistan and the potential role they offer after designation of AECH-NORI as an anchor centre.
Addressing on this occasion, Chairman PAEC Dr. Raja Ali Raza Anwar said, “It is, indeed, a great pleasure for me to address a community which is keen to adopt nuclear science and technology for socio-economic uplift of their countries. Pakistan enjoys a longstanding and mutually beneficial partnership with the IAEA. Cancer is one of the major contributors to Non-Communicable Diseases causing the death of 0.18 Million people annually in Pakistan. Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission gives high priority to the application of nuclear technology in health sector. It has established 19 cancer hospitals spreading all over the country with a dedicated team of 380 highly trained Nuclear Physicians, Radiotherapists, Oncologists and Medical Physicists. PAEC Cancer Hospitals cater over 40,000 new cancer cases per annum with 1.0 Million follow-up cases taking around 80 % of the country’s cancer burden. It was a matter of immense pleasure for Pakistan to have Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi to inaugurate a state of the art Cyber Knife facility at NORI, Islamabad last year.”
Chairman PAEC further said the Commission is also working in close association with the IAEA and WHO in the field of cancer care. Pakistan is ready to support regional countries for cancer treatment access through NORI Anchor Centre under the flagship initiative of DG IAEA ‘Rays of Hope’.
The highlight of the side event was the launching of a new edition of a book (monograph) by PAEC which shows that Pakistan is firmly committed to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) considering these as items of the national development agenda.
Dr. Ali Raza said, “Currently, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission is contributing in ten out of seventeen SDGs using nuclear science and technology. In this endeavor, we humbly present before you the 3rd Edition of a Monograph on ‘Atoms for Sustainable Development’. This monograph depicts multiple ways in which nuclear science and technology is being used in Pakistan.”
PAEC Chairman expressed gratitude to Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi, DG (IAEA); Ms. Najat Mokhtar, DDG, Nuclear Applications and Ms. May Abdel-Wahab, Director, Human Health for sparing valuable time and gracing the occasion.
Kamran Akhtar Malik, Pakistan Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to IAEA, welcomed the guests. Mr. Amer Manzoor, DG(IA), PAEC, Dr. Shazia Fatima, DG(NMO), Dr. Humera Mehmood from NORI hospital PAEC gave presentations while Mr. Ghiyasuddin, Minister Technical from Pakistan organized this event.