KARACHI: August 24 – Advisor to the Sindh Chief Minister and Administrator of Karachi Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui addressing during 60th Anniversary of the English-Speaking Union of Pakistan (ESUP) and book launching ceremony. APP Photo by Abbas Mehdi
Advisor to the Sindh Chief Minister and Administrator of Karachi Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui receiving a book from Afshan Lalani Editor and member of Executive Council ESUP during 60th Anniversary of the English-Speaking Union of Pakistan (ESUP) and book launching ceremony
KARACHI: August 24 – Advisor to the Sindh Chief Minister and Administrator of Karachi Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui addressing during 60th Anniversary of the English-Speaking Union of Pakistan (ESUP) and book launching ceremony. APP Photo by Abbas Mehdi
NH&MP, OPF inks MoU to facilitate overseas Pakistanis
ISLAMABAD, Aug 24 (APP): In order to facilitate overseas Pakistanis, National Highways & Motorway Police (NH&MP) and Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together and enhance cooperation.
Deputy Inspector General (NH&MP) Mazhar-ul-Haq Kakakhel, and Managing Director (OPF) Dr. Amer Sheikh, signed the MoU at NH&MP Headquarters here on Tuesday, said a press release.
Under the MoU, both the departments will enhance cooperation in various areas including facilitation to overseas Pakistanis/ intending emigrants for processing of domestic driving license against their valid foreign driving license and international driving permits, along with assistance in distress/ emergency on motorways. This is in line with the vision of prime minister to accord top priority to the overseas Pakistanis and to provide enhanced facilities with improved service delivery.
On the occasion, Federal Secretary for Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Ishrat Ali, Inspector General, NH&MP Dr. Syed Kaleem Imam, Additional Inspector General (HQs) Khalid Mahmood, Additional Inspector General (North Region) Muhammad Zubair Hashmi, Additional Inspector General Sajjad Afzal Afridi,
CFO of Overseas Pakistanis Foundation Uzma Hayat, Director (Welfare & Services) Overseas Pakistanis Foundation Mustafa Haider, DIG (HQs) Asghar Ali Yousafzai, AIG Fazal e Hamid, AIG Salman Ali khan, AIG Muhammad Ateeq Tahir and other senior officers of NH&MP and OPF were also present.
Under this MoU, overseas Pakistanis and intending emigrants having OPF Membership Card, Registered with Protectorate of Emigrants, Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC), valid visa/ resident permit abroad will be facilitated.
Overseas Pakistanis/ intending emigrants will be issued International Driving Permit/ license at NH&MP Driving Licensing Authority (DLA), H-8/2, Islamabad.
Special handling to overseas Pakistanis including dedicated waiting area, counters and Liaison Officer, with additional facility of fee collection counter for depositing fee at DLA, H-8/2, Islamabad.
The MoU was one such initiative and testament to the citizen-centric governance model where overseas Pakistanis were exclusively facilitated. This exclusive facility for overseas Pakistanis will help in achieving the desired objectives of both organizations in provision of state-of-the-art services to overseas Pakistanis and their dependents under their existing initiatives/ infrastructure.
Labourer unloading potatoes filled sacks at Fruit and Vegetable Market
President promulgates ordinance for retrieval of illegally occupied state land
ISLAMABAD, Aug 24 (APP):President Dr Arif Alvi has promulgated an ordinance for retrieval of illegally occupied state land and assets and to end encroachments on the state land.
The president issued the ordinance under article 89 of the constitution, said a press release issued here.
Under the ordinance, the authorized officer will have the authority to issue orders for retrieving the illegally occupied state land.
The officer will have the authority to take action and use force if the state land is not vacated.
The local police will provide assistance to the administration in retrieving the state properties.
The expenditure incurred on ending encroachments will be received from the illegal occupants who will face imprisonment and fines.
President of Pakistan will set up an appellate tribunal in consultation with the Chief Justice of Pakistan for ending encroachments.
The appellate tribunal will be authority on the issues related to occupation of state land and removal of encroachments.
President Dr Arif Alvi also issued the Public Private Partnership Authority (Amendment) Ordinance which had amended the section 14 of the Public Private Partnership Authority Act 2021.
Pakistan, Egypt agree to work for establishing joint Business Council
ISLAMABAD, Aug 24 (APP):Pakistan and Egypt here on Tuesday agreed to work on the idea of establishing a Pakistan-Egypt Business Council and forging closer collaboration between the ministries of finance of both the countries.
The agreement was made during a call on meeting of Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Tarek Mohamed Dahroug with Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Shaukat Tarin here at the Finance Division on Tuesday.
They also explored the possibility of enhancing bilateral trade, with initial focus on rice and cotton, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, according to press statement issued by the finance ministry.
Both sides exchanged views on matters of mutual interests and agreed that the level of bilateral trade was not satisfactory and there was a need to work together to enhance it substantially.
While extending a warm welcome to the ambassador, the Finance Minister stated that Pakistan and Egypt enjoyed brotherly relations and expressed Pakistan’s desire to further strengthen economic and business cooperation between the two countries.
The minister further stated that Pakistan’s close relationship with the Arab World warrants higher trade levels.
He requested the ambassador to convey his best wishes to the Egyptian Finance Minister and to convey his sentiments that both countries should work together on economic front for mutual progress and prosperity.
The ambassador thanked the minister and expressed firm commitment for making measured progress for further strengthening business and economic linkages between the two countries.
Australian High Commissioner for commercialization of technologies to ensure food security
FAISALABAD, Aug 24 (APP):Australian High Commissioner Dr Geoffrey Shaw said on Tuesday that commercialization of technologies was imperative to give a quantum jump to agriculture yield and making Pakistan a self-reliant country in addition to ensuring food security.
He was addressing a meeting here at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF). He appreciated the technologies of UAF and stressed the need for commercialization in order to reach out farming community for the agriculture development.
He said Pakistan and Australia had strong linkages, adding that capacity
building was the area that would bring tangible changes. He said that Australia would help UAF to produce master trainers in the field of agriculture. He said that they had conducted valuable work on fruit-fly and they would help the UAF in the fruit fly action plan.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said the UAF had completed 16 projects with the help of Australia meant for agricultural development and 11 Aussie projects were still going on.
He said the UAF had strong collaboration with University of Western Australia and Austrian Center for International Agriculture Research (ACIAR). He said that 13 university academic staff had gained the PhDs degree from Australia and 18 got the post doctorate degree from Australia.
He said that enhanced collaboration in the agriculture sector would help fight the common challenges and get benefit from each other experiences.
Dr Iqrar said the UAF had earmarked 13 agro-ecological zones in Punjab on the basis of rain fall pattern,soil fertility, water quality and availability, temperature and soil texture etc.
He said, “We have to put focus on water efficient crops”. He was of the view that Pakistan was far lagging behind in the cheese production. “We have to focus on value addition, and processing as well”, he added.
ACIAR Country Manager Dr Munawar Kazmi said that they focuses on agribusiness, mangoes and citrus, livestock, agricultural policy, horticulture and agricultural water management. He said that different Aussie projects which were conducted at UAF were being up scaling up across the country. He added that agri tourism must be promoted for the agriculture development.
Dr Saddiq Qadambot from University of Western Australia said that they started collaboration with UAF ten years ago and the UAF had been contributing remarkable contribution in agri uplift.
Earlier, the High Commissioner called on UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan and discussed the areas of mutual interest. He also chaired deans and directors meeting, and held meeting with UAF faculty members who were Australian alumni.
Director Horticulture Dr Aman Ullah Malik also spoke on the occasion.
The High Commissioner also visited the different Australian research projects stall and planted a sapling.
Weather to remain hot, humid in plain areas of country: PMD
ISLAMABAD, Aug 24 (APP):Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) Tuesday forecast hot and humid weather conditions for most plain areas of the country during the next 24 hours.
According to the synoptic situation, weak monsoon currents were penetrating eastern parts of the country.
Mainly hot and humid weather is expected in most plain areas of the country on Wednesday.
However, rain-wind-thundershowers are expected at isolated places in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, north east Punjab, Gilgit Baltistan, Kashmir and its adjoining areas.
The rainfall recorded during the last 24 hours was 01 mm at Dir.
The highest maximum temperatures recorded during the period were 45 C in Dadu and 44 C in Sibbi.
Pakistan successfully tests indigenously developed Fatah-1
ISLAMABAD, Aug 24 (APP):Director General Inter Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Major General Babar Iftikhar Tuesday announced that Pakistan conducted a successful test flight of indigenously developed Fatah-1 (Guided Multi Launch Rocket System), capable of delivering a conventional Warhead.
#Pakistan today conducted a successful test flight of indigenously developed #Fatah-1 (Guided Multi Launch Rocket System), capable of delivering a conventional Warhead….. : @OfficialDGISPR
(1/2)#APPNews #ISPR #PakistanArmy #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/N873UOMaG5— APP 🇵🇰 (@appcsocialmedia) August 24, 2021
The DG ISPR took to twitter to announce the development on his official handle.
“The Weapon System will give Pakistan Army capability of precision target engagement deep in enemy territory,” he added.
Perpetrators of terrorist attacks on Chinese nationals to be punished: Dr Moeed
ISLAMABAD, Aug 24 (APP):National Security Advisor (NSA) Dr. Moeed Yusuf Tuesday said the perpetrators of terrorist attacks on Chinese nationals working in Pakistan would be brought to justice.
The NSA made these remarks in a video call with the State Councilor, Minister of the Public Security of the People’s Republic of China, Zhao Kezhi, said a news release issued here.
The two leaders resolved that the all-weather Pakistan China friendship could not be undermined by third countries that try to target their bilateral interests.
During the call, the two leaders discussed regional peace and security as well as other matters of mutual interest.
The both sides resolved to remain closely engaged over the evolving situation in the region and reiterated the importance of and their support to a peaceful political settlement and all inclusive setup in Afghanistan.
They agreed that the Afghan soil should not be allowed to be used against other countries by terrorists.
The two sides expressed satisfaction over the excellent bilateral relations between their countries.
State Councilor Zhao said that he was looking forward to visit Pakistan and meet NSA Yusuf once the Covid 19 situation improves.
PBM’s children plant over 200 saplings at Faizabad Interchange
ISLAMABAD, Aug 24 (APP):Orphan Children of PBM’s Dar-ul-Ehsaas on Tuesday planted over 200 saplings along with Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM), Managing Director Malik Zaheer Abbas Khokhar in the grassy area adjacent to Faizabad Interchange here in Islamabad.
Over 200 children of PBM Schools for the rehabilitation of Child Laborers and Dar-ul-Ehsaas planted the saplings under prime minister’s clean green Pakistan movement.
the children, PBM managing director said that it is the best time to motivate our children to build their attitude towards planting trees to have the nature-friendly environment ahead.
“The purpose of involving the children in plantation campaign is to engage them in a national responsibility to enable them in turning Pakistan into green and environment friendly country,”he added.
Malik Zaheer Abbas further said the prime minister has taken this task as a challenge to protect our country from deforestation, extreme weather conditions, pollution, carbon emission, flooding and to overcome global warming; that also demands an animated contribution of the whole nation at large.
Talking about the participant children, the Zaheer Abbas told that PBM is running some 51 orphanages “Dar-ul-Ehsaas” in various districts of the country to accommodate the poor orphan children.
Pakistan targeting clean energy, transport conversion to reduce gas emissions: Amin
ISLAMABAD, Aug 24 (APP):Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam Tuesday said Pakistan emits less than one per cent green house gas emissions globally and was focusing on energy and transport sectors conversion over clean modes.
Addressing the Institute of Urbanism (IoU)’s Meeting for Eco-Journalists Cohort and launching of the Institute’s first ever report based on its dialogue series titled “Mobility Patterns Amid Growing Urbanization” also supported by Heinrich Boll Stiftung, he said Prime Minister Imran Khan had a clear vision of becoming part of the solution to climate crisis not a part of it.
Amin said, “The policy shift of the government has been driven by shifting of energy mix to 60 per cent renewable by 2030. Transport sector conversion of 30 per cent of the total to Electric Vehicles.”
He said electric vehicles had 70 per cent cheaper operational cost and 60 per cent less emissions as compared to fuel based automobiles.
“Six textile industries of the country have announced to go zero emission manufacturing units. Pakistan has become the first developing country in the world to take such ambitious target committed by its private sector,” he underlined.
The SAPM announced that the government was making efforts to add 26 more companies to take on that target till UNFCCC 26th meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP-26).
“Pakistan is the only country implementing ecosystem restoration measures on ground where the world is only talking on tackling climate change,” he added.
Amin elaborated the reason behind rising temperatures in the urban areas of the country.
He said, “Our cities are facing Urban Heat Island impact that creates increasing temperature due to concrete jungle and negligible green cover leaving no source of oxygen to reduce temperature.”
Founding Executive Director, IoU Mome Saleem said the aim of the meeting was to develop partnership with media on urbanism leading to areas of focus of urban mobility, solid waste management, sustainable consumption patterns and eco-friendly transport.
She said rapidly sprawling transit systems and road infrastructure had damaged green coverage causing imbalance in the environment.
“Global studies reveal 60 per cent of the GHG emissions are due to transport sector and it’s also our focus to help study best solutions to address it,” she added.
Chairperson Higher Education Commission (HEC) Dr Tariq Banuri in his keynote address said that Urbanism, transport, energy and climate change were interconnected and had an inmate relationship that needed to tackled wisely through bottom to top approach presented by experts like Dr Akhtar Hameed Khan, Arif Hassan and others who had great command over the subject of urbanism.
Dr Banuri underscored that the government needed to adopt an investment based approach like the Chinese approach of investing in renewable energy leading to it’s whooping export and declined prices.
“Such approaches are effective and bear fruit that have long term benefits indirectly extending environmental and economic benefits,” he added.
Chairperson IWMB Rina Saeed Khan chaired a panel discussion on Strategies for Clean and Green Transport and Energy Sector, participated by experts Manager Energy Efficiency Fund Asad Mehmood, CDA Member Traffic Azam Lodhi and Environmentalist Syed Akhter Ali.
A working group exercise was also held on “What role can the EcoJournalist Cohort play in transitioning towards ecomobility & clean energy?” led by Senior Environmental Journalist Afia Salam.
Dr. Sania briefs newly formed BoD of TVO on Ehsaas framework
ISLAMABAD, Aug 24 (APP):Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar Tuesday briefed the newly constituted Board of Directors of the Trust for Voluntary Organisations (TVO) on the overarching Ehsaas framework.
TVO is one of the executing agencies of Ehsaas, which has been revitalized after six years under the Ehsaas framework.
Muhammad Ali Shahzada, Secretary PASSD was also present, in his capacity as member of the Board.
Prior to the board meeting this morning, Dr. Sania joined the Board members and briefed them about the programs under Ehsaas.
Sania welcomed the newly appointed members of the Board and briefed that, “All the organizations under PASSD involved in implementing Ehsaas are given roles that are mutually reinforcing and that there is every effort made to exploit mutual synergies.”
She then continued, “BISP is being mandated to run cash transfers and survey registry, Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal’s role is to provide care services whereas the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund has the responsibility for poverty graduation. TVO has been revitalized under the Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division (PASSD) to execute the programmes under the Ehsaas framework (Policy#36).”
This policy action, she said, was specifically meant to run partnerships with private sector non-profit organizations, upscale successful programmes for the most marginalized segments, and to strengthen the Ehsaas delivery.
After a preliminary briefing, Dr. Sania left the meeting.
The Board meeting then formally commenced its first proceedings for the whole day.
Several important matters were discussed and decided, including the annual action plan, budget and institutionalization of audit systems.
The Board also elected Syed Ghazanfar Abbas Jilani, Federal Secretary (R) as a Chairperson, while elected Tariq Khan Baluch, Development Specialist and Hidayat Ullah Khan, Development Expert as the two Vice Chairpersons.
The 10-member BoD of the TVO consists of five ex-officio members including Secretaries and senior officials of the Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Division; Ministry of Finance; Ministry of Economic Affairs Division; Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training; and Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination.
Amongst the five private sector members are Syed Ghazanfar Abbas Jilani, Federal Secretary (R); Tariq Khan Baluch, Development Specialist; Ghulam Abbas Nakai, Auditor General of Pakistan (R); Shamim Akhtar, Social Sector Expert; and Hidayat Ullah Khan, Development Expert. Shehzad Hussain, CEO of the TVO serves as the Secretary to the Board. The Board will meet again next month.
Created as an indigenous grant-making organization in 1990 following an agreement between the governments of Pakistan and the United States of America to establish a Special Development Fund, TVO was set up to tap the potential of non-government organizations.
The purpose was to aid them in the development process and develop a mechanism for strengthening the contribution of NGOs towards a broader goal of improving the quality of life of the neglected segments of Pakistani population.
The Trust became fully functional in 1992. However, due to unavailability of the Board for the past several years, its operations were stalled.
To revitalize the organization under Ehsaas, the process of recruitment in the Board commenced earlier this year.
Following an open advertisement, the Board members were invited to serve on the Board.
CM lays foundation stone of Shahkam Flyover, lists various Lahore projects
LAHORE, Aug 24 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar Tuesday laid the foundation stone of the signal-free Shahkam Chowk flyover project valuing Rs 4.23 billion, to ease the movement of 1.25 lakh vehicles daily.
The 606-metre long, two-sided with each side having three lanes project will be completed in 10 months while Rs 395 million were saved in land acquisition and transparent tendering.
Under the project, a 6-kilometre long defence road will also be dualized from labour colony to Multan Road, along with the construction of two small bridges each at the Hudiara Drain and canal.
Addressing the ceremony, the CM gave the credit of the composite development process and achievements of targets to Prime Minister Imran Khan, adding that the Punjab government was following the policy of balanced development so that everyone could enjoy the benefits.
The CM vowed that everyone will be given the right of development along with equitable access to healthcare and education facilities. The CM said the government was giving attention to provide the facilities to the overcrowded areas adding that improvement of roads’ infrastructure is a priority agenda.
The government has started development schemes in neglected areas of the provincial metropolis while identifying public needs, he continued.
The CM maintained the Shahkam Chowk is a central point to connect different areas of the city. However, the CM regretted that the traffic was often clogged due to lack of space.
The CM maintained the government has completed several projects in Lahore including the Lal Shahbaz Qalandar underpass, entrance point at Thokar Niaz Baig, a pedestrian bridge at Jinnah Hospital and construction of an underground water tank for rainwater.
Similarly, the Miyawaki urban forests were being developed at different points in Lahore, he added.
An organised master plan 2050 ‘Center of civilisation and prosperous Lahore’ was being devised under LDA’s supervision to develop the provincial metropolis according to future needs, he added.
While talking about the development performance of the PTI government, the CM said a turbo roundabout would be built at Shahdara Chowk to resolve traffic gridlock by raising separate passages for heavy and routine traffic.
Work on Sheranwala gate flyover and Ferozepur Road Gulab Devi underpass projects is in progress while another underpass will be constructed at Samanabad Chowk, he said.
Meantime, three parking plazas were being assembled at Sheranwala Gate, Masti Gate and Ek Moriya Pul to park more than one thousand vehicles, he said.
The previous government launched different projects, excluding the Orange Line Metro Train project, valuing Rs 67 billion in Lahore during the third year of its tenure while the PTI government devised development schemes worth Rs 85 billion for Lahore in its third year, he added.
The CM asserted that the Ravi River Urban Development Project and Central Business District are game-changer initiatives to transform Lahore into a world-class city. Along with the establishment of a children health university, a mother and child block will also be completed with Rs 7 billion at Ganga Ram Hospital, he added.
The CM announced that a new general hospital will be built with Rs14 billion and a surface water treatment plant will be established at Mehmood Booti Shahdara and Shadbagh with Rs10 billion. Another surface water treatment plant was being set up at the BRB Canal, he said.
Meanwhile, the CM said that work was in progress on the water disposal project from Larechs Colony to Gulshan-e-Ravi, rehabilitation of historical heritage at Lahore Fort and Dilkash Lahore project to highlight the multifarious beauty of the historical city.
A tower facility will be constructed near the high court for the legal fraternity and phase-II of MPAs’ hostel will be completed with Rs 3.44 billion, he added.
A water supply project for 3 major union councils in Lahore will be completed with Rs 1.65 billion, the CM said and disclosed that a project has been devised to relocate markets around ring road for maintaining smooth traffic flow in the city. New emergency blocks consisting of 400, 400 beds each will be constructed in Services Hospital and Jinnah Hospital, along with the construction of hostel in Services Hospital, he added.
While giving details about the development performance of the PTI government, the CM said that construction of multi-storey parking plaza was being started near Civil Secretariat, construction of Revenue Academy and revamping/extension of Mazaar Bibi Pak Daman is in progress, in addition, to start of prison complex Lahore, women development office complex at Sabzazar and repair and maintenance of Sagian Road.
He said that electric buses would be introduced on different routes in the provincial metropolis. Similarly, a bus information and schedule system will be introduced in addition to the construction of 200 bus stops shelters. A world-class bus terminal will also be built at Thokar Niaz Beg, he added.
The CM said 35,000 apartments would be constructed through LDA City Naya Pakistan Apartments project to provide shelter to the general public and lower cadre employees.
Construction of 4,000 apartments is in progress in the first phase, he said. The government has devised a Rs 360 billion district development package for composite development in the province, the CM added.
The CM said a network of shelter homes and almonries were being established to accommodate the unattended segments of society while recruiting 10,000 police officials and provision of 600 new vehicles.
It is satisfying that Lahore police have resolved all high-profile cases in a record period and the PTI-led government has also completed the CTD headquarters project, he noted.
He said the scope of LDA has been restricted to Lahore city only and it has been further decided to divide Lahore into new administrative units to improve service delivery and work is in progress actively.
The government has made 66 per cent increase in development budget, 185 per cent in health, 286 per cent in higher education, 29 per cent in school education, 306 in agriculture and 307 per cent rise in industries budget, while 24.7 per cent more recoveries have been made in PRA’s dues, he added.
The new Punjab Assembly building has been completed and the government has keenly noted problems of every area while being committed to providing resources for solution to the problems, he added.
Provincial Minister Mahmood-ur-Rasheed, Vice Chairman Wasa and member LDA governing body Sh Imtiaz Mahmood and member LDA governing body Tariq Sana Bajwa also spoke on the occasion.
Naval Chief calls on Iranian naval leadership
ISLAMABAD, Aug 24 (APP):Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi on Tuesday called on Commander Islamic Republic of Iran Navy (IRIN) Rear Admiral Shahram Irani and Commander of Northern Fleet Commodore Abdolvahab Taheri during his official visit to Iran.
On arrival, the Naval Chief was received by Commander IRIN and was presented Guard of Honour, said a Pakistan Navy news release received here.
During meeting with Commander IRIN, the Naval Chief was given detail briefing on roles and objective of Iran Navy.
Besides, professional matters of mutual interest including bilateral naval collaborations and security environment of Indian Ocean Region were discussed.
The Admiral highlighted Pakistan Navy’s focused efforts towards Maritime Security, Counter Piracy Operations and PN initiative of Regional Maritime Security Patrol (RMSP).
Iranian Naval Commander acknowledged and highly appreciated the role and contribution of Pakistan Navy for maintaining peace and stability in the maritime domain.
The dignitaries agreed to enhance bilateral collaboration between the two countries in general and Navy to Navy in particular.
Afterwards, Naval Chief laid floral wreath at the Martyrs monument at the National Museum of Defence.
Later, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi visited Iranian Northern Fleet (4th Naval Regional HQ) at Bandar Anzali where he was given briefing on responsibilities and capabilities of Northern Fleet. Naval Chief also visited shipbuilding yards and Naval Museum.
It is expected that recent visit of the Naval Chief will further boost bilateral relations between the two navies.
NA body directs NCC to give detailed briefing on SNC
ISLAMABAD, Aug 24 (APP):The National Assembly Standing Committee on Federal Education, Professional Training, National Heritage and Culture directed the National Curriculum Council (NCC) to brief the Committee in detail on implementation of the Single National Curriculum (SNC) in the next meeting.
The directions were given during the 19th meeting of the Standing Committee on Federal Education, Professional Training, National Heritage and Culture held here in the Committee Room of National Curriculum Council Secretariat under the Chairmanship of Mian Najeeb Ud Din Awaisi, MNA.
While briefing, the Director, National Curriculum Council Secretariat apprised the Committee that in line with the vision of the Prime Minister Imran Khan, the Council and Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training is developing SNC for Pakistan in consultation and collaboration with Education Departments of all federating units of the country.
She said SNC was being developed in three phases. She informed the committee that SNC was aimed at providing equal learning opportunities to all fractions of society.
It would help students and parents in case of inter-provincial mobility, she said.
The Committee also considered “The Pakistan Global Institute Bill, 2021” and “The Pakistan Institute of Education Bill, 2021”.
After detail deliberations, the Committee recommended that “The Pakistan Institute of Education Bill, 2021” may be passed by the Assembly. “The Pakistan Global Institute Bill, 2021” and “The NCS-Institute of Sciences Bill, 2021” (moved by Mr. James Iqbal, MNA) was, however, deferred till next meeting of the Committee.
The Dyslexia Special Measures Bill, 2021 (moved by Ms. Mehnaz Akbar Aziz, MNA) was also considered in the meeting. After detail deliberations, the Committee recommended that the Bill might be passed by the Assembly.
The committee also appointed a Sub-Committee under the convenership of Sadaqat Ali Khan Abbasi, MNA to discuss the challenges faced by universities under Higher Education Commission (HEC).
While briefing on the current Admission Policy in ICT Schools, the Director General, Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) stated that the children of residents of Islamabad Capital Territory, Children of Federal Government/Semi Government employees residing in Islamabad would be eligible for admission to the nearest location of their residences.
Priority should be given to the residents of same Union Council/Sector whichever the case may be, he added. However, DG FDE said children belonging to same family would be accorded preference for admission in the institutions where their brothers/sisters were already enrolled.
He apprised that admission tests were conducted for admission to institutions where the number of applicants for admission exceeded intake capacity of the institution.
The committee was not satisfied by the briefing given by Director General (FDE) and decided to have a separate presentation on admission policy in ICT Schools.
Besides the Parliamentary Secretary, Federal Education and Professional Training Division, member national assembly Wajiha Qamar, the meeting was attended by Ali Nawaz Awan,
Mr. Sadaqat Ali Khan Abbasi, Javairia Zafar Aheer, Umar Aslam Khan, Muhammad Farooq Azam Malik, Nafeesa Inayatullah Khan Khattak, Andleeb Abbas, Ghazala Saifi, Asma Qadeer, Tashfeen Safdar, Farukh Khan, Mehnaz Akbar Aziz, Kiran Imran Dar, Musarrat Asif Khawaja and Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro,
Members National Assembly, Jamshed Thomas, mover also attended the meeting.
The senior officers from Federal Education & Professional Training Division, Ministry of Law and Justice, Higher Education Commission, Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) and National Curriculum Council were also present in the meeting.
Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi being presented Guard of Honour during his official visit
IRAN: August 24 – Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi being given briefing at Shipbuilding Yard during his official visit. APP
IRAN: August 24 – Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi during call on with Commander of Islamic Republic of Iran Navy (IRIN) during his official visit. APP
Ladies travelling on the tri-cycle loader rickshaw at GT Road
LAHORE: August 24 – A gypsy girl collecting vegetables at Fruit and Vegetable Market thrown by vendors. APP Photo by Mustafa Lashari
Islamic banking ensures equal distribution of wealth in society: MD SBP
FAISALABAD, Aug 24 (APP):State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Managing Director Muhammad Ashraf Khan has said the objective of promotion of Islamic banking was to ensure equal distribution of wealth in society to end poverty and hunger.
He said that all Shariah requirements had been kept in view in while designing Islamic banking but our people are hesitant about the Islamic banking.
He was addressing the opening ceremony of 4-year BS Hons. programme in Islamic Banking and Finance under the Department of Islamic Studies at Government College Women University Faisalabad here Tuesday.
He said that ulema role was very vital in promotion of Islamic banking in our country. He said that members of the Shariah board would be called for the guidance of students of Islamic Banking course to clear their concept.
He said that presently, 20 institutes of Islamic banking were functional in Pakistan, of which five were complete Islamic banking and 15 have departments of Islamic banking.
Earlier, Vice Chancellor Government College Women University Faisalabad Prof Dr Rubina Farooq highlighted the details of 4-year BS hons.
Executive Director & Group Head Forex and Development Finance State Bank of Pakistan Shoukat Zaman, Chief Manager State Bank of Pakistan Faisalabad Sarfraz Ahmed Nadeem, Deputy Chief Manager Muhammad Akbar, faculty and students were present on the occasion.
Dr. Yasmeen Fatima, Commissioner Autonomous Lahore Zone addressing the business community at SCCI
Farrukh Habib felicitates newly elected RIUJ body
ISLAMABAD, Aug 24 (APP):Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Farrukh Habib Tuesday congratulating newly unopposed elected office bearers of Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ), said the government would provide all possible facilities to the media community in coordination with their elected bodies.
He, in a statement, expressed the hope that the newly elected cabinet including RIUJ President Shakeel Ahmed, General Secretary Sadiq Anzar, Finance Secretary Ayaz Akbar Yousafzai and Joint Secretary Umer Butt would work for the welfare of journalist community.