CHINIOT: November 24 –
Ameer Jamat E Islami Siraj Ul Haq addressing rally on Ghaza situation at Jhuma Road
CHINIOT: November 24 –
Legendary poetess Parveen Shakir remembered on her 71st birth anniversary
LAHORE, Nov 24 (APP):Legendary poetess Parveen Shakir was remembered on her 71st birth anniversary being observed here and across the country on Friday.
Parveen Shakir was a legendary female poet who started poetry in her childhood.
Parveen Shakir was the first female poetess who expressed emotions and feelings of a young girl in a realistic manner.
Spontaneity in expression was the main feature and hallmark of her poetry that mesmerized the youth a lot, especially girls.
Shakir started writing at a very young age, both in prose and poetry, while contributing her articles both in Urdu, and English newspapers.
She was highly educated with two Master’s degrees, one in English Literature and one in Linguistics. She also held a PhD and another Master’s degree in Bank Administration.
Noted poetess and educationist Dr. Hameeda Shaheen told APP that Parveen Shakir’s poetry is known for its sentimental nature. Her poetry often touch on universal human experiences such as love, heartbreak, and the struggles of everyday life.
Moreover, her creative work was often based on romanticism while exploring the concepts of love, beauty and their contradictions, and heavily integrated the use of metaphors, smiles and personifications, she said.
To a query, Shaheen said that Shakir’s Ghazaliat are considered a combination of classical tradition with modern sensitivity, and mainly deal with the feminine perspective on love and romance, and associated themes such as beauty, intimacy, break-ups, separation, distances, distrust, infidelity and disloyalty.
It is worth mentioning here that in 1976, Parveen Shakir published her first volume of poetry ‘Khushbu’ (Fragrance) to great acclaim. She was awarded one of the highest honours of Pakistan the Pride of Performance for her outstanding literary contributions.
Shakir subsequently published other volumes of poetry including Sad-Barg (Marsh Marigold) in 1980 Khud Kalami (Soliloquy) and Inkar (Denial) in 1990.
Her all-poetry books are collected in Mah-e-Tamam (Full Moon). She also published a collection of her newspaper columns, titled Gosha-e-Chashm (Corner of the Eye), Kaf-e-Aina (The Mirrors Edge) was released posthumously with works from her diaries and journals.
On December 26, 1994, Shakir’s car collided with a bus while she was on her way to work in Islamabad.
The accident resulted in her death, a great loss to the Urdu poetry. The road on which the accident took place is named after her.
Trade development through border markets proposed
KARACHI, Nov 24 (APP):Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh has said that in a high-profile visit to FPCCI Head Office, Ambassador of Iran in Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam has proposed to set up border markets with Pakistan to enhance trade between the two countries.
In a statement on Friday, the FPCCI president said that Iran is our next-door neighbor and exporting to Iran will be price-competitive.
VP FPCCI Shaukat Omerson highlighted that there are a number of products and services that Pakistan can export to Iran in large numbers; and, rice, fruits, vegetables, value-added textiles, sports goods, surgical instruments, pharmaceuticals and IT services of Pakistan have great potential in Iran.
Shaukat Omerson also stressed that bilateral trade of $2.4 billion, as per the latest statistics, is way below the potential for the combined population of well over 300 million for the two countries.
The Ambassador of Iran in Pakistan proposed that Iran is one of the world’s top producers of petrochemical and energy sources – and, Pakistan is mostly dependent on imported oil and other energy sources. This phenomenon makes Iran a very important country for Pakistan to bridge its energy deficiencies through reliable and inexpensive supplies from Iran.
Moghadam also highlighted that Pakistani rice is popular in Iran due to its good taste and Pakistani textiles are world-famous. The two countries also enjoy cultural and religious bonds.
He expressed his desire to enhance people-to-people; business-to-business and chamber-to-chamber contacts with Pakistan. We need to increase business tourism between the two countries and the Iranian embassy is all-willing to facilitate the Pakistani business community in visas and participation in trade exhibitions and fairs in Iran.
PMD indicates chances of rain in Balochistan
ISLAMABAD, Nov 24 (APP):Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast cold and cloudy weather for most parts of the country with chances of rain-wind/thunderstorm in West and Southwest Balochistan.
Smog/ fog is likely in few plain areas of Punjab during morning hours.
Cold and cloudy weather is expected in Islamabad, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Balochistan, Sindh, Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan during the period.
Smog/ fog is likely in Sialkot, Lahore, Gujranwala, Narowal, Sargodha, Okara, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Khanewal, Multan, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan and surrounding during the morning.
Rain-wind/thunderstorm is expected in Nokkundi, Chaghi, Dalbandin, Kalat, Khuzdar, Noshki, Washuk, Kharan, Panjgur, Kech, Turbat, Pasni, Makran, Lasbela, Gwadar and Jiwani.
During the last 24 hours, dry weather prevailed over most parts of the country, while partly cloudy in upper parts.
The lowest minimum temperatures recorded were Leh -05 C, Skardu, Kalam, Kalat -03 and Gupis -02 C.
PMIC stresses completion of PIMS HVAC project by Dec 15
ISLAMABAD, Nov 24 (APP): A team of the Prime Minister’s Inspection Commission (PMIC) on Friday inspected the delayed project of installation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) plant at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and stressed for the completion of work by December 15, 2023.
The PMIC’s visit took place in wake of the deep concerns expressed by the prime minister over the unwarranted delay in completion of the PSDP projects including “Replace and Upgradation of HVAC Plant Room Equipments and Allied Works at PIMS, Islamabad”.
Following dissatisfaction on the reports from Ministry of Housing and Works and Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination, the matter had been referred to the PMIC for effective supervision.
The inspection team that visited the project, comprised PMIC members Zahir Shah and Dr. Mumtaz Ahmed Kamal, Co-opted Member Safdar Ali, Director Muhammad Saleh Narejo and Assistant Director Ahmed Waseem.
The team inspected the ongoing work of the HVAC regarding installation of the centrally air conditioning system in the whole buildings of the hospital.
Chairman PMIC Brigadier (Retired) Muzaffar Ali Ranjha had assigned the task to the inquiry team headed by Zahir Shah for vigorously persuading the project and ensure its completion at the earliest.
The PIMS administration, the officers of Public Works Department and contractors were present during the inspection.
The team observed the progress made by the contractors and PWD in the light of directions issued in the team’s visit last week. Directions were given during the visit for speedy and effective completion of the project with deadlines which has been significantly delayed.
The PMIC team stressed for completion of the project before December 15, 2023. The PMIC chairman will visit the project on December 10, 2023. A preliminary report will also be submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office in this regard.
UAE Ambassador calls on CM, explores bilateral cooperation
LAHORE, Nov 24 (APP):Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, Mr. Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi, convened with Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi at the Chief Minister’s Office on Friday.
An agreement was formalized between the UAE and the Punjab Health Department during this meeting, focusing on the handover of the hospital constructed by the UAE in the ‘Gulab Wala’ area of ‘Athara Hazari’ Tehsil, Jhang, to the Punjab government.
UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim and Provincial Health Secretary Ali Jan inked the agreement, facilitating the transfer of Gyne Hospital from the UAE to the Punjab government. While the United Arab Emirates government erected the hospital building, the agreement stipulates that the building is now under the jurisdiction of the Punjab Health department, and the hospital would be operated by the Punjab government.
UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim extended an invitation to the CM to participate in the UAE National Day ceremony, which the CM graciously accepted, expressing gratitude to the UAE Ambassador.
Discussions during the meeting encompassed the expansion of cooperation across various sectors, including energy, forests, and transport.
The chief minister congratulated the UAE Ambassador on attaining his doctorate degree, highlighting Punjab’s full representation in the Pakistan Pavilion at the Conference of Party 28 Environment Summit.
In response, the UAE Ambassador commended Mohsin Naqvi for his active and dedicated service to the people, expressing confidence that the chief minister’s immediate initiatives would bring relief to the public.
The meeting was attended by provincial ministers Amir Mir, Dr. Jamal Nasir, Additional Chief Secretary, Senior Member Board of Revenue, Chairman Planning and Development Board, Additional IG, Secretary to Chief Minister, Secretaries of Agriculture, Irrigation, Health, Information, and other related officials.
UNIDO drives economic transformation in Sindh with ‘PAIDAR Grant Fund’
ISLAMABAD, Nov 24 (APP): The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) convened a pre-bid conference under the Poverty Alleviation and Inclusive Development Across Rural Sindh (PAIDAR) programme, which is funded by the European Union (EU) in a dedicated effort to combat poverty and advance inclusive development.
The event, held the other day, served as a pivotal platform, offering crucial insights and guidelines to potential applicants interested in the grant opportunities presented by the PAIDAR programme.
National Programme Coordinator for PAIDAR, Badar Ul Islam set the tone for the conference with a warm welcome,
underlining the collaborative effort needed for sustainable development. He shed light on the significance of the PAIDAR Grant Fund in supporting poverty graduation and communal infrastructure development.
Contracts Officer at UNIDO, Natalie Maabdi provided a comprehensive walkthrough of the step-by-step process for submitting grant applications. A dynamic Q&A session followed, allowing participants to seek clarification and deepen their understanding.
Executive Officer at PAIDAR, Nima Bahramalian shared valuable insights, setting the stage for the PAIDAR programme’s commitment to sustainable poverty graduation and inclusive development.
Director General for the Directorate of Urban Planning, Policy and Strategic Planning (URP&SP) and the Planning and Development Department at the Government of Sindh, Farooque Siddiqui also graced the conference with his presence.
Addressing the participants, he said, “The Sindh government is focused on tackling poverty as a top priority and the EU-funded PAIDAR programme implemented by UNIDO addresses a key gap in economic development through grants to empower MSMEs (especially targeting youth and women-led enterprises). The ongoing collaboration between EU, the Government of Sindh and UNIDO under the PAIDAR programme is expected to positively impact poverty reduction efforts in the province.”
The PAIDAR programme has launched a grant fund dedicated to micro-grants for MSMEs and communal infrastructure development through intermediaries. These grants aim to support sustainable poverty graduation, enhance enterprise activity, and generate pro-poor employment opportunities. Intermediary organizations from both urban and rural areas actively participated, spending the day understanding critical processes for successful grant applications.
This event marks a significant step towards realizing UNIDO’s vision for poverty alleviation and inclusive development in Sindh.
PAIDAR programme- a five-year programme, being implemented by UNIDO, and funded by the European Union (EU) with the support of the Government of Sindh. This programme supports the Government of Sindh in implementing the economic growth agenda of the Sindh Poverty Reduction Strategy in selected districts and aims to contribute to sustainable poverty reduction by improving the livelihoods of poor communities, including women and youth in Sindh.
First lady seeks support for raising awareness on breast cancer, mental health, rights of disabled persons
ISLAMABAD, Nov 24 (APP):Begum Samina Alvi, wife of the president of Pakistan on Friday emphasized the need for collective efforts in raising awareness about breast cancer, mental health & well-being, as well as advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities to enable them becoming productive part of the society.
“These topics should be openly discussed throughout the year, whether it is breast cancer, rights of differently abled person or mental health,” she said while speaking at an awareness seminar on breast cancer organized by the Rotary Club here.
“In this regard, we will need the support of not only the government but also the society as a whole,” she said adding that there was need to work for increasing the existing facilities in Pakistan.
The first lady said a five-minute self-examination every month could help detect breast cancer at an early stage, thus saving thousands of the lives of women in the country.
She said 44,000 deaths due to breast cancer in Pakistan was an alarming situation that needed raising constant awareness about early diagnosis of the disease.
Samina Alvi mentioned that the world overall had a 98 percent recovery rate from breast cancer, however, pointed out that in Pakistan, insufficient mammographic facilities led to a high mortality rate due to the detection of malignancy at a late stage.
She said women of all ages including teenage girls of 12-14 years were also being diagnosed with breast cancer.
She urged the women and girls to learn the five-minute routine of self-examination and spread the word among at least 20 other women folks in their circle. She also got a pledge all the participants to spread her message for the importance of mental health and rights of persons with disabilities. She said with regard to the mental health, a mobile app “Humraaz” was being developed through with the people could seek guidance about their mental health.
She said 24% of total population was suffering from mental health problems but the number of related health professionals and psychiatrists was very low that needed to increased.
She called for accommodating the differently-abled persons with facilities of education and employment and mainstreaming them in society.
Oncologist Dr Fozia on the occasion informed that 99% breast cancer patients with detection at first stage survived while the survival rate among the patients with detection at second stage was 95% and that of third stage was 86%. However she said the rate for the fourth stage patients significantly dropped to 28%. She said the global rate of detection at stage 4 was 6% while in Pakistan it was 19%.
She said the oncology team was committed to convey the message of self examination to the women in every corner of the country.
On the occasion, cancer survivors Mahru Arif Ali from Rotary Club and Professor Shama Sikandar also shared their experience of breast cancer.
PMIC stresses completion of PIMS HVAC project by Dec 15
ISLAMABAD, Nov 24 (APP): A team of the Prime Minister’s Inspection Commission on Friday inspected the delayed project of installation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) plant at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and stressed for the completion of work by December 15, 2023.
The PMIC’s visit took place in wake of the deep concerns expressed by the prime minister over the unwarranted delay in completion of the PSDP projects including “Replace and Upgradation of HVAC Plant Room Equipments and Allied Works at PIMS, Islamabad”.
Following dissatisfaction on the reports from Ministry of Housing and Works and Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination, the matter had been referred to the PMIC for effective supervision.
The inspection team that visited the project, comprised PMIC members Zahir Shah and Dr. Mumtaz Ahmed Kamal, Co-opted Member Safdar Ali, Director Muhammad Saleh Narejo and Assistant Director Ahmed Waseem.
The team inspected the ongoing work of the HVAC regarding installation of the centrally air conditioning system in the whole buildings of the hospital.
PMIC Chairman Brigadier (Retired) Muzaffar Ali Ranjha had assigned the task to the inquiry team headed by Zahir Shah for vigorously persuading the project and ensure its completion at the earliest.
The PIMS administration, the officers of Public Works Department and contractors were present during the inspection.
The team observed the progress made by the contractors and PWD in the light of directions issued in the team’s visit last week. Directions were given during the visit for speedy and effective completion of the project with deadlines which has been significantly delayed.
The PMIC team stressed for completion of the project before December 15, 2023. The PMIC chairman will visit the project on December 10, 2023. A preliminary report will also be submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office in this regard.