Children filling their bottles with clean drinking water through a electric cooler fixed at a roadside
A street vendor displaying light fitted balloons to attract the customers
Universities suppose to be centers of quality conventional: Shafqat
ISLAMABAD, Aug 24 (APP):Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Shafqat Mahmood on Tuesday said universities were supposed to be the centers of quality conventional and virtual education with highly qualified faculty.
Addressing the launching ceremony of Phase-II of the Digital Learning and Skills Enrichment Initiative (DLSEI), he said it was an initiative of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan in partnership with Coursera.
The ceremony was also attended by Dr. Shaista Sohail, Executive Director, HEC, Mr. Jeff Maggioncalda, CEO Coursera, Vice Chancellors, Senior faculty members and students
After the successful completion of the DLSEI Phase-I project, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has signed a contract with Coursera and officially launched the Program at a largely discounted pricing model.
HEC through its initiative “Digital Learning and Skills Enrichment Initiative” (DLSEI) intended to enhance online learning and skills development among passionate students with 1000+ Courses and 28 Learning tracks, said a news release issued here.
Addressing the ceremony, the Minister said Pakistan’s education system was facing a plethora of challenges, particularly lack of quality and relevance, amidst rising demand for universities.
He underlined the importance of interventions like Coursera for students and faculty. “There is a massive need for skill development in the country, and the courses offered through Coursera is a remarkable intervention especially at a time when Covid-19 has greatly enhanced the importance of online learning.”
He also appreciated the National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE) for offering training to university leadership, faculty, and administrative staff to enhance their capacity.
Mahmood said many gaps were identified in the education system during the Covid-19 pandemic, including the digital divide in the country, faculty’s inability to teach online, and students facing difficulty understanding online classes.
He hoped that the online courses under DLSEI would make a huge difference by honing in the talent of Pakistani students and improving their employbility, enabling them to contribute to the country’s socio-economic development.
In her remarks, Executive Director HEC Dr. Shaista Sohail said DLSEI was launched in 2018 under an agreement between HEC and Coursera to enhance online learning and skills development among passionate students.
The students, who benefit from the courses, would be able to access courses and certifications from top universities of the world and get an opportunity to enroll themselves into the highest ranked and most expensive online courses.
She hoped that the initiative would help the country turn its youth bulge into an asset. She informed the audience that over 50,000 curated licenses would be issued under the phase-II of the initiative and fist year HEC would distribute 24000 licenses to all public and private sectors universities as per enrollment basis.
She said two percent quota has been specified for people with special needs, in addition to formation of a subsidized model for public sector universities.
Jeff Maggioncalda highlighted the significance of DLSEI for skill development in youth, stating, “investment in youth is an investment in the future.”
Earlier, Mr. Nazeer Hussain, Director General IT, HEC presented the concept behind the launch of DLSEI. He said HEC joined hands with Coursera to provide students and faculty with an opportunity to acquire certifications from world-class universities.
Investors to be facilitated to transform Pakistan a hub of manufacturing economic activities: SAPM
FAISALABAD, Aug 24 (APP):Special Assistant to Prime Minister on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Affairs, Khalid Mansoor on Tuesday said the government was taking comprehensive measures to provide maximum facilities to investors at economic zones with an aim to transform Pakistan a hub of manufacturing economic activities.
He was talking to the media at Faisalabad Industrial Estate Development and Management Company (FIEDMC) office. FIEDMC Chairman Mian Kashif Ashfaq was also present.
He said the development work on CPEC phase-I was underway expeditiously and investment of $ 25 billion had so far been made in industrial estates under CPEC phase-I.
He said that $13 billion had been invested while another $12 billion investment was in the pipeline.
He said, “Now, we were working on CPEC phase-II, under which the foreign investors would be offered to make investment in much needed sectors of the country like agriculture, textile, pharmaceuticals, industry, IT and others”.
The SAPM said that two sectors-agriculture and textile would be specially focused in CPEC phase-II and maximum investment would be brought in these sectors.
About the security situation for Chinese, Khalid Mansoor said, “We have talked with law enforcement agencies for bringing a comprehensive security system for Chinese”.
To a question, he said that Pakistan wanted stability in Afghanistan, adding that stability in Afghanistan would provide more support to the CPEC.
Khalid Mansoor said that Pakistan was an agrarian country but unfortunately, we were far behind in boosting agriculture production due to certain reasons.
He said that legal issues faced by small medium industry who wanted to shift their industry into Allama Iqbal Industrial Estate’s special economic zone would be focused, and the same would be redressed
on priority basis.
To a question about negative propaganda being made by India, he said, he was informed that an investment of Rs 194 billion had been made in Allama Iqbal Industrial city so far, but it was not disseminated.
He urged for highlighting the investment projects of the country through social media to counter the negative propaganda.
The SAPM said the government had enforced a law and FIEDMC had also started implementation on it, under which plots in special economic zones would be canceled of that investor who didn’t start establishing industry after August 31.
Khalid Mansoor also visited Allama Iqbal Industrial City’s special economic zone and reviewed the development work there.
Earlier, he was briefed in details about the FIEDMC by the Chairman Mian Kashif Ashfaq.
PCB announces 2021-22 women’s cricket season
By Sohail Ali
LAHORE, Aug 24 (APP):In a bid to provide ample match training ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday announced a bumper 2021-22 women’s cricket season.
Over the course of the upcoming season, the country’s top women players are scheduled to compete in 33 matches – domestic and international – in the home season.
The women’s home season will commence on 9 September in Karachi with the 14-match, four-team Pakistan Cup Women’s One-Day Tournament and will be followed by the national side’s historic series against England Women, which will mark the current 50-over Women’s World Cup champions’ first-ever visit of the country.
The Heather Knight-led side will play two T20Is and three ODIs in October from 10 to 22 at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi.
At the back-end of 2021, the national side will travel to Zimbabwe for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers, in which they will play seven matches – four group matches and three Super Six fixtures, subject to their qualification for the second round of the tournament – and the ACC Women’s Asia Cup, the details of which will be announced by the event organisers.
Meanwhile, the PCB is also in talks with an ICC member for an ODI women’s series prior to the national side’s departure for Zimbabwe.
To continue to provide more competitive and quality-based cricket to the women players, the PCB has increased the number of matches, as well as the number of teams across all One-Day and T20 domestic tournaments. While this will help the players in enhancing their skills in match-situations, increased number of matches will also provide financial incentives in terms of more match fee.
As the player pool continues to increase gradually, the PCB has included a fourth team for the upcoming season, a move that will provide opportunity to more players to prove their mettle in domestic competitions.
The PCB has also made an U19 T20 tournament part of the domestic calendar this year. This event will help in the identification of quality players from young age and prepare them for the first edition of the U19 World Cup, scheduled for 2023.
The 2021-22 women’s domestic season will end with the 14-match National Women’s T20 Cup, to be played in June-July next year prior to the national team’s departure for Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
During the upcoming season, the national women’s team will also feature in the third cycle of the ICC Women’s Championship, which will commence after the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand next year.
Urooj Mumtaz, the chairperson women’s selection committee said : “We are pleased to announce what promises to be an action-packed women’s cricket season for 2021-22. The upcoming season holds a great significance in Pakistan’s women’s cricket history as we have not only planned quality-based competitive domestic tournaments, but also a major team such as England Women, will also be touring the country for the ever first time.
“Pakistan has never before seen such a jam-packed women’s cricket season. The domestic events and the bilateral international series have been designed in a way to provide effective opportunities to the players to prepare themselves for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier.
“The gradual growth in the player pool through our emerging team and Skills2Shine programme, has led to the addition of a fourth team in our domestic cricket. The increased number of matches will provide an opportunity to a larger group of players, thereby allowing greater opportunities, to polish and enhance their skills, temperament and game awareness.
“Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we could only organise a T20 event in Rawalpindi last season, but this year we are scheduled to hold both One-Day and T20 events, including the addition of an U19 T20 tournament into our domestic calendar. This event will help identify and develop talented individuals keeping in mind the inaugural women’s U19 World Cup is scheduled for 2023.
In addition, it will also enhance the player pool at the age-group level, creating a development pathway and feeder system for the national level.”
The PCB will announce the match schedule, teams and other details about the domestic tournaments closer to the start of the events.
Italy appreciates Pakistan’s support for political settlement in Afghanistan
ISLAMABAD, Aug 24 (APP):Former Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the second largest political party in both houses of the Italian Parliament Senator Matteo Salvini on Tuesday appreciated Pakistan’s support to a political settlement and inclusive dispensation in Afghanistan.
Senator Matteo Salvini called on Pakistan’s Ambassador in Italy, Jauhar Saleem at the embassy of Pakistan, Rome, said a press release received here.
During an hour long meeting, bilateral relations with particular emphasis on economic cooperation and international issues of mutual interest, including the evolving situation in Afghanistan, came under discussion.
He expressed hope that Italy and Pakistan could work together to strengthen the international cooperation for achieving peace and stability in Afghanistan.
The possibility of Italy extending an invitation to Pakistan for participating in the G-20 Summit scheduled to be held in Rome under Italian Presidency also came under discussion.
Ambassador Saleem and the former Deputy Prime Minister, who is widely seen as a possible future Prime Minister of Italy, exchanged views on the possibility of enhanced bilateral engagement, with particular focus on Pakistan’s key role for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan.
Ambassador Saleem briefed Salvini at length on the historical context of the Afghan conflict and Pakistan’s endeavors over the decades to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan.
He hoped that the Taliban leadership would keep their commitments regarding protection of fundamental rights and rights of women, and underlined the importance of international community staying engaged with Afghanistan.
He underscored that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was integral for promoting regional connectivity and economic development.
Senator Salvini expressed keenness to visit Pakistan and exchange views with the Pakistani leadership on fostering greater bilateral cooperation, as well as coordinating efforts towards the two countries’ shared objective of supporting peace and stability in Afghanistan.
Gypsy girls washing their clothes while sitting at the banks of Charsadda River
Gypsies collecting valuables from heap of garbage at Kahnsi Road
A vendor displaying and arranging peaches to attract the customers at Meezan Chowk
KP Assembly Speaker Mushtaq Ghani addressing during his visit to SCCI
PESHAWAR: August 24 – SCCI President Sherbaz Bilour presenting a shield to Speaker KP Assembly Mushtaq Ghani during his visit to SCCI. APP Photo by Shaheryar Anjum
Advisor to Prime Minister on Institutional Reforms and Austerity Dr. Ishrat Hussain called on Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser
Ladies busy in purchasing different kind of handmade items from roadside vendor
Managing Director State Bank of Pakistan Muhammad Ashraf Khan and Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Robina Farooq Singing of MoU during the launching ceremony of 4 year BS Islamic Banking & Finance at Government College Women Universty(GCWUF)
FAISALABAD:August 24-Group photo of Managing Director State Bank of Pakistan Muhammad Ashraf Khan and Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Robina Farooq with Faculty members during launching ceremony of 4 year BS Islamic Banking & Finance at Government College Women Universty(GCWUF)-APP photo by Tasawar abbas
Managing Director State Bank of Pakistan Muhammad Ashraf Khan addressing at a launching ceremony of 4 year BS Islamic Banking & Finance at Government College Women University(GCWUF)
Visitors are enjoying boating in Uper Kachura Lake in the mountain area of Pakistan
SKARDU: August 24 – An attractive and eye-catching view of Uper Kachura Lake in the mountain area of Pakistan. APP Photo by Ashraf Hussain Nasiri
Special Assistant to Prime Minister on CPEC Affairs Khalid Mansoor is talking to media person during his visit to Faisalabad Industrial Estate & Management Company (FIEDMC)
A donkey driven cart holder on the busy way at Selawali road loaded with construction iron bars in the city
A view of an open manhole on main Sargodha Road near Allied Chowkmay cause of any mishap to needs the attention of the concerned authority
Pakistan, Portugal to strengthen cooperation in science and technology sector
ISLAMABAD, Aug 24 (APP):Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Senator Syed Shibli Faraz and Ambassador of Portugal to Pakistan, Paulo Neves Pocinho in a meeting held here on Tuesday explored avenues for strengthening cooperation in the field of science and technology.
The federal minister was called upon by the Ambassador, Mr. Paulo Neves Pocinho in the former’s office.
The focus of the meeting was to work on strengthening linkages in the field of Science and Technology between the two countries.
Speaking on the occasion, Shibli Faraz said, “Portugal is a small but an important country and Pakistan and Portugal have a history of friendly relations. We look forward to co-operation and joint ventures in the field of Science and Technology.”
Shibli Faraz said, “Increased co-operation in the field of Research and Development (R&D) will certainly bring fruitful results”.
Moreover, the minister highlighted that the present government was interested in doing sustainable projects to benefit people for a long duration.
Thus, carrying the vision of the government forward, the Ministry of Science and Technology would play its due role to enhance cooperation with other countries in the field of Science and Technology to achieve greater benefits for the country, he said.
Speaking during the meeting, the ambassador expounded that Portugal was currently focusing more in Science and Technological development and welcomed proposals related to Science and Technology and establishment of small to medium enterprises.
“Portugal looks forward to extensive engagement with Pakistan in the aforementioned areas”, he said.
Balochistan to serve as engine of growth for national economy: Shahwani
QUETTA, Aug 24 (APP):Spokesperson of the Balochistan government Liaquat Shahwani Tuesday said the Balochistan would soon serve as an engine of growth for the national economy.
Sharing three years performance details of the Balochistan government in a press conference here, he said the delivery phase of the government was rapidly progressing while the living standard and basic amenities for the local people were being improved.
He was of the view that the civic life in Balochistan had been improved to a great extent with successful implementation of the development schemes and strategic initiatives taken by its government.
He claimed that the provincial government, led by Chief Minister Jam Kamal, enjoyed the full confidence of the public.
Shahwani said Balochistan government had started construction work of first ever Cancer Hospital in the province at Shaikh Zahid Hospital, Quetta.
He said the government is all set to complete 120-bed Quetta Cardiac Hospital within the stipulated time period as 90 per cent construction work had been completed over the project.
The establishment of 20-bed fully equipped Intensive Care Units (ICU) at District Headquarter Hospital Zhob, Naseerabad and Turbat were in process with a cost of Rs 100 million each, the spokesperson informed.
Balochistan government has installed 10 tele-health facilities at various Basic Health Units (BHUs) in rural areas of the province in order to provide the best healthcare to the people. The program would be extended to almost all BHUs in other areas too, he added.
The Balochistan government has also established District Headquarters (DHQs) hospitals in Naseerabad and Taftan while two more would also be constructed at Sohbatpur and Surab.
The government has constructed 104 new Basic Health Units (BHUs) in the province to ensure best health care facilities for the masses at their nearest.
The Balochistan government has also established 150 labs at the existing BHUs in the far-flung areas of the province. He said the government has appointed as many as 1300 doctors in various districts and teaching hospitals on adhoc basis to tackle the challenges and overcome the shortage.
Balochistan government had also established medical emergency response centres on main highways at cost of Rs 3921 million to provide medical facilities to the victims of road accidents.
Shahwani said the government had announced to launch Balochistan Health Card facility at ith a cost of Rs 5.914 billion to provide health cover upto Rs one million each to around 1.875 million families of the province.
The provincial government with the collaboration of Child Life Foundation was establishing early Child Care Centre at Civil Hospital Quetta.
The provincial government has expanded its Nutrition Programme from seven to 22 districts, he added.