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NADRA facilitation center starts working at ICCI

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Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari
ISLAMABAD, Sep 18 (APP):President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari on Wednesday said that the business community was the real driving force of the national economy and urged the government to address the issues faced by them on priority basis.
Addressing a ceremony held to inaugurate the newly established NADRA Facilitation Center, he urged the government to ensure ease of doing businesses to facilitate the local trade and business to achieve sustainable economic development and growth.
He expressed the firm commitment to work for the development of business welfare of the business community in order to achieve economic growth and social prosperity, said a press release.
Ahsan Zafar lauded the role of Chairman NADRA for establishing facilitation center and hoped that this fully equipped center offering range of services, including, CNIC,Family Registration Certificate, and Birth Certificate to the community will greatly benefit the members and contribute to chamber’s success.
He said that a Mediation Council Office, Police Facilitation Center, Tax Ombudsman office have already been working and offering all the necessary services to the community.

IIUI, HEC inaugurates workshop on enhancing online teaching

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IIUI
ISLAMABAD, Sep 18 (APP):The Faculty of Education at the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC), the Iqbal International Institute for Research and Dialogue (IRD), and the Directorate of Quality Assurance and Development (QAD), successfully inaugurated the two-day workshop titled “Quality First: Enhancing Online Teaching in Higher Education.
The event aims to strengthen the quality of online education across higher education institutions in Pakistan, focusing on best practices for course design, student engagement, and assessment in digital platforms.
The workshop is part of NRPU Project Quality Assurance for Online Teaching in Higher Education in Pakistan by Dr Fouzia Ajmal (PI) and Prof. Dr. N. B. Jumani (Co-PI).
The opening ceremony was graced by the Acting President IIUI, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Sarwar, who lauded the participants for the urge to adopt the modern means of teaching and learning. He said that factor of relevance is mostly missing that must be the prime focus of the teachers.
He discussed distance education, its utilization, future scope, its global needs and transformations on teaching and learning and ever changing job market.
He said without compromising the quality is the way forward for success.
He commended the Faculty of Education and its collaborators for organizing such a significant initiative, stating, “In today’s rapidly changing educational landscape, maintaining quality in online learning is pivotal. This workshop is a testament to our commitment to uplifting the standards of higher education through innovative and modern teaching methodologies” Dr. Sarwar said.
He also highlighted the importance of training faculty to adapt to new technologies and teaching strategies.
Mr. Ubaidullah Anwar, Deputy Director HEC explained the role of HEC and its efforts for the open and distance learning policy as well as he clarified certain misperceptions about this mode of learning.
This workshop draws on international standards, incorporating the Quality Learning and Teaching (QLT), Quality Matters (QM) framework, and HEC’s Online Education Toolkit. Through this collaborative effort, the event seeks to equip participants with the skills necessary to enhance the quality of online teaching and learning.
The workshop’s resource persons include experts from renowned institutions including Prof. Dr. Muhammad Idrees (Pakistan Institute of Education), Prof. Dr. Tamim Ahmed Khan (Bahria University), Dr. Azhar Mahmood (IIUI), Mr. Shahid Minhas (SDPI), Dr. Zarina Akhtar (IIUI), Dr. Rukhsana Durrani (Allama Iqbal Open University), Dr. Fatima Maqsood (IIUI), Dr. Mubeshera Tufail (AIOU) Dr. Munawwar Ahmed (Virtual University) and Dr. Fouzia Ajmal (IIUI). Participants from universities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad are attending the event.
The opening ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Rehmat Ellahi, Director QAD.
He expressed gratitude to the organizers, resource persons, and participants, recognizing the joint efforts of the Faculty of Education, IRD, and QAD in making this workshop a reality.

PFA penalizes three milk shops

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MUZAFFARGARH, Sep 18 (APP):The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) disposed of 6,650 substandard frozen dairy desserts (kulfi), 100-kg curd with 24-kg blancher during an inspection of three milk shops on Wednesday.
The inspection was conducted at Chowk khangarh area. About Rs 55,000 fine was
imposed on the shop owners.
DG PFA Asim Javed said multiple operations were underway by the authority in Punjab to improve quality of food.

AIOU sets October 15 as last date for admissions

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AIOU
ISLAMABAD, Sep 18 (APP):Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has set October 15 as the last date for the 2nd phase admissions of Autumn semester 2024.
According to the AIOU, the programmes offered in this phase include Associate degree in Arts (BA General), Associate degree in Commerce (B.Com), Associate degree in Education, BS (ODL) programs, B.Ed programs, BBA, postgraduate diplomas and certificate courses.
Admission forms and prospectus of all the programs are available on the university website.
The students can visit regional offices or call the university helpline at 051-111 112 468 for further information.
The deadline for submitting admission form is 15th October. Please note that applications for admission can only be submitted online.
Detailed information about all the programs offered is also available on the university website.
For further information about admissions, students can contact the regional offices of the university or call the official helpline at 051-111 112 468.
Professor. Dr. Nasir Mahmood, Vice Chancellor AIOU has directed regional offices to guide and support prospective students, including providing free access to computers and the internet for those without these facilities to ensure they can complete their applications with ease.

Murree transporters warned against overcharging travel fares

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RAWALPINDI, Sep 18 (APP):Deputy Commissioner Murree, Agha Zahir Sherazi has warned the transporters against not complying with government prescribed policy after fuel price cut. He asked the transporters to reduce the fares on every route and display the fare lists.  He directed the relevant authority to take strict action against transport owners who do not reduce travel fares.
The government has recently reduced the petroleum prices according to which, diesel has been reduced by Rs 13.6 paisa and petrol by Rs.10 per litre. All fares have also been reduced in the same proportion.
According to the details, the deputy commissioner on Wednesday chaired a meeting with the transporters in which secretary RTA, traffic police officials and rescue-1122 reps were also present.
DC said that the fruits of the reduction in the prices of petroleum products should reach the people, the transport owners should reduce the fares and immediately display the fares in prominent places at the stations.
Further, while issuing instructions to the traffic police, he directed to ensure the implementation of the prescribed fares and in this regard, any complaint received from the public should be redressed in time.  “The vehicles should be checked to ensure compliance with the lease and strict action should be taken against the violating transport owners”, he directed.

King Charles phones PM Shehbaz; invites to attend CHOGM in October

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ISLAMABAD, Sep 18 (APP): King Charles III of the United Kingdom on Wednesday telephoned Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and formally invited him to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa in October.

Accepting the invitation, the prime minister said that the CHOGM in Samoa would be a significant moment in the history of the Commonwealth, being the first summit to be chaired by the King since becoming Head of the Commonwealth, according to a PM Office press release.

Prime Minister Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the Commonwealth and the values enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter.

He said that the CHOGM in Samoa would provide a forum to discuss opportunities for enhancing intra-Commonwealth cooperation on a number of important issues, such as fostering sustainable development, strengthening democratic institutions, and empowering Commonwealth youth.

Noting the King’s longstanding interest in environmental issues and various initiatives for climate sustainability, the prime minister said that he particularly looked forward to engaging with Commonwealth leaders on climate change, as Pakistan was highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

The prime minister also inquired after the King’s health and conveyed his best wishes for The Princess of Wales, who had successfully completed her treatment.

Recalling the fond memories of the King’s last visit to Pakistan, when he was the Prince of Wales, Prime Minister Shehbaz hoped that the King and The Queen would visit Pakistan soon.

KP’s safety conference held at PIC

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PESHAWAR, Sep 18 (APP):On the occasion of World Patient Safety Day, Peshawar Institute of Cardiology (PIC) successfully organized the first Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Conference in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
This conference, held with the theme “Improving Diagnosis for Patient Safety” as per WHO guidelines, brought together healthcare professionals from across the country and internationally, including experts from the UK, India, and the USA. Young doctors, nurses, and practitioners were also present in large numbers.
The conference aimed to discuss innovative approaches and experiences in ensuring patient safety and improving the healthcare system. Various experts presented case studies, research material, and presentations, all focused on making healthcare services safer and more effective.
Professor Dr. Hafizullah, Chairman of the Board of Governors at PIC, commended the entire PIC team, stating that the conference represents a significant step forward in patient health and safety. He emphasized their commitment to implementing best practices from around the world to provide high-quality healthcare services to their patients.
International experts participating through online links highlighted modern medical techniques and steps taken to ensure patient safety in their presentations. They shared experiences related to optimal patient diagnosis, medication use and testing, infectious diseases, artificial intelligence in healthcare, and patient safety, emphasizing the need for international collaboration to ensure patient safety.
The presentations included various case studies and their analyses, focusing on the prevention of incidents affecting patients and the successful measures taken for their protection.
Dr. Babar Alam, WHO representative in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, commended PIC management for organizing the important conference. He reiterated WHO’s commitment to providing full support to PIC for organizing such crucial conferences in the future to further improve the health system in the country and the province.
At the end of the conference, participants expressed their commitment to working together to further improve the quality of patient care in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This conference has paved the way for a new approach to patient safety, promising improvements to the province’s healthcare system. Shields and certificates were awarded to participants and members of the organizing committee.

CM stresses clean planet vital for survival

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LAHORE, Sep 18 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that keeping the planet clean is indispensable for the protection and survival of environment.
In her message on International Clean Up Day, she said “Keeping our environment clean is our collective social responsibility.”
The CM advised to adopt proper garbage disposal practices, and do not use plastic, saying that environment-friendly sustainable measures are being taken under Suthra Punjab Programme.
Maryam Nawaz said for the first time in history, rural areas were also being cleaned, adding that garbage recycling, plantation and cleaning of public places were being organized.
The CM underscored that citizens should also take responsibility in keeping the environment clean.
She appealed to citizens to keep cities, villages and streets clean and play a role in protecting the environment. “Remember, a clean Pakistan is a healthy and developed Pakistan”, she concluded.

3 ‘terrorists’ killed in Nankana Sahib shootout

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LAHORE, Sep 18 (APP):Three alleged terrorists were killed and two escaped during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Nankana Sahib, on Wednesday.
According to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) spokesperson, terrorists opened fire on its team. The team retaliated the fire and in the shootout, three alleged terrorists were killed, while two others escaped.
The CTD team recovered three grenades, three detonators, safety fuse wire, two rifles, bullets and explosives from terrorists. “A search operation to arrest the escaped terrorists is under way,” said the spokesperson, adding that CTD teams had set up a picket near Motorway Nankana Interchange A and the process of identifying the slain terrorists was underway.
The terrorists were planning to launch a major attack on Lahore,  the spokesperson said.
Pakistan has experienced an increase in terrorist attacks as a total of 59 such incidents occurred countrywide in August compared to 38 attacks in the previous month, according to a digital database maintained by the Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), an Islamabad-based think-tank.
Last week, CTD Punjab arrested nine terrorists following 71 IBOs across the province.
Meanwhile, two terrorists were killed on Friday during an operation carried out in Dera Ghazi Khan.

Pakistan’s business leaders greet ‘Int’l, Tourism Expo in Tajikistan’

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ISLAMABAD, Sep 18 (APP): Pakistan’s business community on Wednesday greeted the three-day, first Dushanbe International Tourism Exhibition (DITE), 2024 to be held in Tajikistan and assured full participation in it.

“Pakistan and Tajikistan have a significant role in regional economic connectivity, which will determine global trade goals and Tajikistan can be Pakistan’s gateway not only to the Central Asian States but also to Europe, which can increase the volume of regional trade,” President Federation Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Atif Ikram Sheikh told APP here.

He said that three days from September 25 to 27th, 2024, the EXPO Center in Dushanbe will host a major event for the regional tourism industry — the 1st Dushanbe International Tourism Exhibition (DITE 2024).

Pakistan's business leaders greet ‘Int'l, Tourism Expo in Tajikistan’

The President FPCCI said that Tajikistan and Pakistan are to establish a Transit Trade Coordination Committee (TPTTCC), under ATPTT signed on December 2022 which would be responsible for monitoring and facilitating the implementation of the agreement.

Atif said that Pakistan and Uzbekistan have vast cooperation opportunities in the trade and tourism sectors, on which the role of business chambers and the private sector is very important in the future.

Meanwhile, President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Ahsan Bakhtawari told APP,that Islamabad’s business community will fully participate in the first tourism expo in Tajikistan and there will be MoUs for cooperation in this sector between the two countries.

The President ICCI said that the current trade volume between the two countries is much less than its potential, which the private sectors of both countries will have to come forward to increase.

It is pertinent to mention that the 1st Dushanbe International Tourism Exhibition (DITE 2024), which will take place from September 25 to 27, 2024, will be a significant event not only for promoting Tajikistan’s and Central Asia’s tourism opportunities but also for exchanging knowledge, best practices, and experiences in the tourism sector.
The exhibition will feature roundtables, conferences, and seminars where experts from various countries will discuss key aspects of sustainable tourism development, marketing of tourism products, and the implementation of innovative technologies.
DITE 2024 will create unique conditions for tour operators, investors, tourism agency representatives, and government bodies to share their experiences in managing tourism activities.
The roundtables and seminars at the exhibition will cover critical topics such as the development of tourism infrastructure, management of tourist attractions, sustainable use of natural resources, and preservation of cultural heritage.
A central theme will be the implementation of innovative technologies in the tourism industry. As digitalization advances, many companies and organizations are already adopting the latest solutions to enhance the quality of tourism services. At DITE 2024, participants will discuss how digitalization affects tourism, from developing mobile apps to using virtual reality to showcase tourist routes.
Another important theme at DITE 2024 will be sustainable tourism development. In recent years, many countries have recognized the need to create tourism products that preserve natural resources and cultural heritage.
Participants will discuss successful examples of sustainable tourism from various countries, including the development of eco-tourism, which is a top priority for Tajikistan.