YSDO organizes awareness seminar on budget transparency
No vehicle to be allowed on road without NOC from VICS; Commissioner
Sohrab advocates for increased employment opportunities in Greece for Pakistani Workforce
ISLAMABAD, Dec 19 (APP): Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Jawad Sohrab Malik, held a productive meeting with Minister of Labor and Social Security of Greece, Adonis Georgiadis aimed at fostering cooperation in skilled migration and knowledge sharing, and advocated for the need to enhance employment opportunities for Pakistani workforce
During the meeting at the Global Labor Market Conference (GLMC) in Riyadh, both parties explored potential collaborations to facilitate the migration of skilled manpower from Pakistan to Greece, a news release said.
The meeting focused on a keen interest in enhancing cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) employing a Government-to-Government (G2G) framework.
One of the key points of discussion centered around addressing Greece’s current demand for skilled labor in the construction industry. According to the Greece Minister for Labour, the country is in need of approximately 500,000 skilled workers in the construction sector.
SAPM, Jawad Sohrab Malik, took this opportunity to brief the Greek delegation about the availability and priority of the Pakistani Government to export skilled manpower to Greece and other countries experiencing a workforce shortage.
The proposed collaboration aims to create a win-win situation, benefiting both nations by facilitating the export of skilled Pakistani workers to meet the growing demand in Greece. This initiative aligns with the vision of the Pakistan Government to actively contribute to the global workforce and strengthen diplomatic and economic ties with friendly nations.
The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development remains committed to fostering partnerships that promote international cooperation and facilitate the exchange of expertise and skills between nations.
Tractor assembling grew by 55.58 percent in four months
ISLAMABAD, Dec 19 (APP): Tractor assembling in the country during first four months of current financial year increased by 55.58 percent as compared the assembling of the corresponding period of last year.
During the period from July-October, 2023 about 17,259 tractors were locally produced as compared the production of 11,093 tractors of the same period of last year, according the data of Large Scale Manufacturing Industries (LSMI) released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
As compared to the corresponding month of last year, tractor production in the country during the month of October, 2023 grew by 80.74 percent as 5,536 tractors were locally assembled as against the assembling of 3,063 tractors of the same month of last year.
During the period under review, the overall output of LSMI in the country witnessed a negative growth of 0.44 percent as compared the production of the same period of last year.
The output of the industries including food, beverages, wearing apparel, coke, petroleum products, chemicals, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, non-metallic mineral products, machinery and equipment witnessed growth during the period under review.
Where as the output of tobacco, textile, iron & steel products, electrical equipment, automobiles, other transport equipment and furniture areas decreased during the period under review.
Rescue-1122 issues recommendations about burning gas heaters, coal-stoves
ECP to start receiving nomination papers for crucial 2024 General Elections on Wednesday
Regional Final of Huawei ICT 2023-24 Middle East and Central Asia commences
Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the King’s Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, and in partnership with the University of Bahrain and Bahrain Polytechnic, Huawei inaugurated the regional finals of the Huawei ICT Competition 2023-2024 today at Bahrain Polytechnic.
More than 27,500 students from over 600 universities across 21 Middle Eastern & Central Asian countries have participated in this year’s Middle East & Central Asia Huawei ICT Competition – marking the highest level of participation in the seven-year competition history. Since its launch in 2017, Huawei’s ME & CA ICT Competition has become the largest and most influential initiative in the region, a powerful program for cultivating ICT talent and improving ME & CA countries’ national competitiveness with ICT future leaders. The competition has received support and endorsements from UNESCO and more than 20 regional ministries, operators, and industry partners.
The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Bahrain said “Focusing on future development and benefiting people around the world, the ICT Competition is a successful practice of Huawei. It creates opportunities for young people to learn advanced technologies and accumulate valuable experiences. It also provides a window for young people to have a deeper understanding of Huawei and China.”
Mr. Aziz Tang, CEO, of Huawei Bahrain, said, “As we stand on the verge of a bold future, Huawei is honored to be a driving force in developing ICT talent in the region. Huawei ICT competition 2023-2024 has become a beacon for nurturing ICT talent and shaping the future leaders of the digital economy. This endeavor would not be achievable without the help of a supportive and encouraging ICT talent ecosystem. Let us embrace the spirit of collaboration and innovation as we witness the birth of future ICT leaders and architects of the digital future. Together, let us propel Bahrain and the broader region towards a brighter, more empowered future.”
Mr. Osama Alsayed, Deputy CEO – Corporate Affairs – Bahrain Polytechnic, expressed, “Bahrain Polytechnic took the opportunity to be an academic partner for this competition, which is a testament to our institution’s commitment to creating an environment where young minds can flourish. It is an honor to collaborate with Huawei, a global leader in technology and innovation, to host such a prestigious international competition at our campus. This partnership signifies our shared vision of developing talent, fostering innovation, and advancing the field of information and communication technology.”
Twenty-two teams consisting of 66 national winners from 11 Middle Eastern & Central Asian countries, including Bahrain, Pakistan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, and Oman, will participate in exams, field trips and workshops in the Kingdom of Bahrain from December 19-21, 2023. Each team comprises of three students and one tutor. Iraq, Pakistan, Lebanon, and Saudi have three teams each, while Jordan, Kazakhstan, and Bahrain have two teams each. One team is participating from the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait each.
During this period, the students will participate in the Practice Competition that includes the Network, Cloud, and Computing Tracks. They will be tested on their theoretical knowledge and hands-on ICT skills, as well as their ability to work in a team. Participants will be ranked according to their scores for lab exams. The ‘Instructor Summit’ will also take place on the opening day, where Huawei will host insightful discussions on the vital role of public-private partnerships in bridging the digital talent gap and preparing students for a successful transition into the workforce. The tutors from regional universities will also share their best practices and strategies for leveraging technology in education.
The best performing teams will be crowned regional winners of the Huawei ICT Competition Middle East & Central Asia 2023-2024. They will move forward to the global finals of the Huawei ICT Competition, which will take place in May 2024 in China. The Closing and Awarding Ceremony will be held on December 21, 2023, at the University of Bahrain. A panel discussion featuring regional ICT leaders on the topic “Building the ICT talent ecosystem” will be held during the event as well.
Huawei ICT Competition is targeted at working with UNESCO, government authorities, colleges, and universities in the Middle East & Central Asia to identify, support, and grow the future leaders of ICT. The program attempts to bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace, thus enhancing students’ future employment opportunities in the ICT sector through knowledge sharing on the latest ICT developments, international trends, and hands-on skills development training at Huawei’s state-of-the-art labs, R&D centers, and facilities.
Huawei promotes innovation and creativity among Middle East & Central Asia ICT students as they compete to win the national and regional finals and then the coveted international finals in Shenzhen.
PTV Bolan fulfills Hazara community’s demand with Hazargi broadcast: Solangi
QUETTA, Dec 19 (APP): Caretaker Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi said on Tuesday that long standing demand of Hazara community had been fulfilled by start of Hazargi language programmes at Pakistan Television Bolan from today.
Delivering his speech at the opening ceremony of “Hazargi language” programme on PTV Bolan, he said the PTV Bolan was already broadcasting programs in Balochi, Pashto and Brahvi languages.
PTV Bolan broadcasts were available on cable and satellite, Murtaza Solangi said adding it could also be accessed through terrestrial antennas that would help people in remote areas too.
“We are grateful to Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar for encouraging us to take this initiative,” Murtaza Solangi remarked.
The minister said that PTV Multan telecast’s duration had been extended to 24 hours earlier this month. With the addition of Kan Maitarzai Rebroadcast Center, the number of transmitters of rebroadcast centers has increased from 22 to 23.
“Our aim is to ensure equal representation of regional languages on PTV Bolan,” Murtaza Solangi maintained.
Drug peddlers held
Islamabad police arrest 3,484 accused during last month
ISLAMABAD, Dec 19 (APP): Islamabad police arrested 3,484 accused during the last month for their alleged involvement in crime cases and recovered weapons, narcotics and other looted items worth Rs. 164.4 million from their possession.
According to a police spokesperson, Islamabad Police demonstrated their commitment to public safety by arresting 3,484 individuals in the past month. The arrests encompass a range of offenses, including cases related to weapons, narcotics, property crimes, burglaries and auto theft.
The law enforcement agency’s efforts led to the recovery of stolen property worth a staggering Rs. 164.4 million, revealing the extent of criminal involvement in various illegal activities.
Among the apprehended individuals are hardened criminals engaged in dacoity, armed robbery, stabbing incidents, theft, and the theft of cars and motorcycles. Islamabad Police, in November alone, successfully seized 45 cars and 82 motorcycles, dismantling criminal operations and enhancing public safety.
The crackdown extended to dismantling criminal gangs, as 114 individuals from 45 such groups were brought to justice during the same period.
Notably, November also saw Islamabad Police making significant strides in curbing drug-related offenses. A total of 232 drug dealers were apprehended, resulting in the confiscation of 60 kilograms of hashish, 77 kilograms of heroin, 1,460 grams of ice, and 1,054 bottles of alcohol.
Addressing the issue of illegal weapons, 160 individuals were arrested for possession illegal weapons, leading to the recovery of 12 Kalashnikovs and guns, 132 pistols, and a substantial amount of ammunition.
In a parallel effort, Islamabad Police targeted proclaimed offenders involved in serious and other crime cases and nabbed 334 absconders in November. Additionally, 788 beggars, including their one facilitator, were apprehended, contributing to the overall maintenance of law and order.
The Islamabad Police, committed to safeguarding the lives and property of residents, have reported a gradual decrease in the crime rate over the past months. Swift actions have been taken against criminal elements through search operations.
Citizens are encouraged to play an active role in maintaining community safety by reporting any suspicious activities to the helpline 15 or through the ICT 15 app.
As the city strives for a secure and peaceful environment, Islamabad Police call on all residents to join hands in making their city a bastion of peace.