OTTAWA: August 20 –
Meta’s VP for Asia Pacific Simon Milner meets with PM Shehbaz
ISLAMABAD, Aug 20 (APP): A five-member delegation from technology giant Meta, led by Vice President for Asia Pacific Simon Milner, met with the Prime Minister in Islamabad on Tuesday to explore potential collaboration opportunities in Information Technology (IT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Pakistan.
In a discussion with the delegation, the prime minister highlighted the immense potential in Pakistan’s information technology and digital media sectors. He also noted that, for the first time in the country’s history, a record budget has been allocated to promote information technology.
The prime minister expressed his intention to leverage Meta’s expertise in information technology and artificial intelligence. He also instructed the relevant authorities to address and resolve all issues related to Meta’s operations in Pakistan.
The Meta delegation informed the prime minister about the company’s services in Pakistan and the Asia Pacific region. They also highlighted that Meta has organized the region’s first artificial intelligence competition in Pakistan.
Both sides reiterated working together for the development and promotion of digital media and artificial intelligence sectors in Pakistan.
Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecom Shaza Fatima, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Jehanzeb Khan, Tania Aidrus and relevant senior government officials participated in the meeting.
NA Speaker meets President of Belarus, reaffirms strengthening of ties
ISLAMABAD, Aug 20 (APP): Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Tuesday said that both Pakistan and Belarus enjoy cordial ties based upon shared interests. He expressed resolve to further strengthen ties between both nations.
The Speaker said, “Pakistan has a vast potential of investment in the energy, trade and agriculture sectors”. He expressed these views during his meeting with the President of the Republic of Belarus Mr. Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk, Belarus, said a press release was issued here.
The Speaker said that Pakistan-Belarus bilateral relations are characterized by mutual respect and trust. He underscored that Pakistan-Belarus ties would further expand by collaboration in economic, industrial, and agriculture sectors. Furthermore ,he emphasized to deepen parliamentary contacts between both nations.
The President of Belarus Mr. Alexander Lukashenko stated that Belarus attaches great importance to its close ties with Pakistan. He also expressed the desire to further expand bilateral cooperation with Pakistan.
It is to mention that parliamentary delegation led by the Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq is on an official visit to Belarus on the special invitation of his Belarusian counterpart.
ICCI President presents Rs1 m cheque to Arshad Nadeem
ISLAMABAD, Aug 20 (APP): President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari on Tuesday presented a cheque of Rs1 million to Arshad Nadeem, Pakistan’s javelin superstar.
Addressing the ceremony held at ICCI on Tuesday, Arshad Nadeem attributed his success to hard work and dedication, stating that there was a long journey behind his achievement.
He vowed to maintain his performance in upcoming events. Earlier, Arshad Nadeem received a warm welcome upon his arrival at the chamber house.
Addressing the ceremony, ICCI President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari highlighted the significance of sports in promoting national unity and praised Arshad Nadeem as a national hero who ended Pakistan’s 32-year wait for an Olympic medal, lifting the nation’s spirits during a challenging time.
Bakhtawari emphasized the need to promote sports to attract youth towards healthy activities, foster harmony, and promote peace and tranquility.
He stressed that winning gold medals is essential in today’s world, as it earns nations recognition and respect. He encouraged the creation of more athletes like Arshad Nadeem to bring pride to Pakistan.
On behalf of the ICCI he called for increased support for Pakistan’s sporting talent, better facilities and nurturing to enable young athletes to excel on the global stage.
It is the collective responsibility of sports organizations to collaborate in securing funding and providing essential infrastructure, such as stadiums and training facilities, to aspiring sports stars, he added.
He apprised that ICCI has already taken the initiative to establish a sports academy in Islamabad with the help of Capital Development Authority which will be named after Arshad Nadeem
He said that the chamber will extend its fullest support for the promotion of healthy activities not only in Islamabad but the entire Pakistan.
Federal Cabinet greenlights skills development initiative for enhanced training
ISLAMABAD, Aug 20 (APP): The Federal Cabinet, on Tuesday, approved the establishment of the “Prime Minister’s Skills Development Company” to generate and manage funds for technical and vocational training and to implement various training programs.
The Federal Cabinet, chared by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, approved the establishment of the company under the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission, as per Section 42 of the Companies Act, 2017. This decision followed a recommendation from the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training.
In accordance with the prime minister’s directive, the company was established to delineate the operational and regulatory responsibilities of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission.
After this, the Prime Minister’s Skill Development Company will look after the operational issues of technical and vocational training while the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission will look after the regulatory issues.
The federal cabinet authorized the transfer of operations for the King Hamad University of Nursing and Associated Medical Sciences to the National University of Medical Sciences. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) will be signed between the Ministry of National Health Services and the Ministry of Defense to formalize this agreement.
The Federal Cabinet ratified the decisions from the Cabinet Committee on Government-Owned Institutions meeting held on August 12, 2024. Additionally, the Cabinet has endorsed the decisions from the Economic Coordination Committee meeting on August 15, 2024.
The Cabinet was updated on the Supreme Court’s recent ruling in the Mubarak Sani case. It was informed that, following the prime minister’s directive, an additional petition related to the Mubarak Sani case was filed with the Supreme Court of Pakistan on August 17, 2024.
The Cabinet was also informed that the National Assembly held an in-depth discussion on this case, and it has been referred to the Standing Committee on Law and Justice for further consideration.
In the meeting of the Standing Committee on Law and Justice of the National Assembly, the government and the opposition parties unanimously decided that the National Assembly would inform the federal government about the factual and legal aspects of the case, along with the scholars’ opinions. It was also agreed that an application should be submitted on behalf of the government.
In this context, there was a telephonic conversation between the prime minister and the Speaker of the National Assembly. Following this discussion, an additional petition was filed with the Supreme Court on behalf of the government, in accordance with the prime minister’s instructions. The prime minister has directed that the Attorney General, accompanied by his team, will present arguments based on the opinions of the religious scholars and the Standing Committee on Law and Justice of the National Assembly during the hearing of the additional petition on August 22, 2024. The Prime Minister has issued explicit instructions regarding this matter.
The Federal Cabinet has approved the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Investment, Industry, and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Commerce of Pakistan. This MoU, aimed at promoting cooperation in the field of electronic commerce (e-commerce), was endorsed based on the recommendation of the Ministry of Commerce.
HEC announces Undergraduate scholarships for GB students
ISLAMABAD, Aug 20 (APP): The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has invited applications from the students of Gilgit-Baltistan who intend to pursue undergraduate studies (4/5 years BS Programmes) from HEC-recognised public sector Universities/Degree Awarding Institutions.
According to the official sources, these scholarships are being offered for the academic year 2024-25 in all areas of study/ disciplines under the project titled, “Undergraduate Scholarship Programme for the students Of Gilgit-Baltistan in top Pakistani Universities/ Institutions (Batch-IV).
As per eligibility criteria, the applicants must have domicile/local certificate of Gilgit-Baltistan. However, he/she must have completed Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC)/Equivalent.
Furthermore, the applicants who are already availing any other scholarship are not eligible to apply.
The maximum age limit is 22 years as on closing date of application submission, while the candidates will have to scholarship coverage i.e tuition fee, hostel fee and other charges – maximum Rs. 240,000 per year, stipend of Rs. 15,000 per month, books and traveling allowances Of RS. 30,000 per annum.
It is important to mention here that the candidates will be shortlisted based on their scores in the Aptitude Test (to be conducted by Education Testing Council (ETC), HEC) and academic credentials.
The candidates must secure at least 50% marks in the ETC test. Test Result will be valid for one year after fre announcement of Test Result date.
The students already enroled in any BS Programme in public sector universities/institutions prior to the advertisement (maximum one academic year) may also apply.
The award of scholarships will be purely merit-based and irrespective of gender, caste, race, and religion.
The applicants can apply to any Public Sector University/lnstitution of Pakistan, however, any expenditure over and above the cost given in Project PC-I will be borne by the student himself/herself.
HEC reserves the right to postpone or cancel the scholarship process at any stage without assigning any reason.
For further details and guidelines the students are asked to contact www.hec.gov.pk/site/gb.scholarship.
The applicants are required to submit online application through: https://eportal.hec.gov.pk.
The deadline for the submission of applications is September 30,2024.
The applicants are advised to check their emails & HEC website regularly for any updates and are required to apply well before the closing date to get assistance in case of an inconvenience.
Counterfeit, sub-standard “Sting” other beverages production unit sealed in Quetta
QUETTA, Aug 20 (APP):Balcohsitan Food Authority (BFA) on Tuesday sealed the production unit of“ Sting” and other local and international beverages during a joint raid carried out by police and BFA in Sabzal Road area of the city.
International and local beverages including Fanta, Coca-Cola, Sting and Red Anar were prepared in the unit sealed by the authority, DG BFA Ateequllah Khan said.
He said that the unit was set up in the compound of the house adding that 2400 substandard cold drinks, gas cylinders, filling machines, fake labels of international cold drinks, expired chemicals and flaovors were confiscated during the raid carried out on a tip off.
“The illegal unit was sealed and initiating legal action against the owner under the BFA act, the DG further said.
DG Food Authority called upon the public to keep eye on the illegal and fake factories and food plants, stressing the need for sharing information with the authority so that those involved in such illegal business be taken to task.
SCCI chief inaugurates Facilitation Desk for provision of grant to SMEs
PESHAWAR, Aug 20 (APP):Fuad Ishaq, president of the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Tuesday inaugurated a Facilitation Desk for provision of a grant to small and medium scale businesses and industries announced by International Organization of Migration.
The initiative aims to facilitate business community regarding availing of a cash grant of International Organization of Migration (IOM) for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), said in a statement here.
It is mentioned here that the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a UN body, has announced a cash grant for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through their Enterprise Development Fund (EDF).
This grant is for business expansion, boosting productivity and especially creating jobs.
President of the WCCI Peshawar Azra Jamshed, members, women entrepreneurs, members of the business community and others were present on the occasion.
Fuad Ishaq, President SCCI in his remarks on the occasion appreciated the IOM and asked small scale businesses and industries to take full benefit from this grant.
He said SCCI has always been on the front foot for safeguarding interests of small and medium enterprises and will keep on supporting this important sector of the economy.
The chamber president said federal and provincial governments take pragmatic steps for ease of doing business and provision of interest-free loans to the business community.
Later in the day, members of the business community visited the chamber house wherein officials of IOM briefed them about the procedures for availing cash grant for launching of small businesses and industries.
Officials on the occasion said a grant up to Rs5million will be given to more than 120 SMEs of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
They furthermore said grants will be available for companies and the business community affected by war or natural disasters in various trades, aimed at reviving and promoting these businesses.
11 retailers arrested, 4 shops sealed over price control act violations
FAISALABAD, Aug 20 (APP):The price control magistrates arrested 11 retailers, sealed four shops and booked a profiteer over violation of price control act, here on Tuesday.
Focal Person to Price Control Measures Riaz Hussain Anjum said here that on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Capt (R) Nadeem Nasir, the price control magistrates conducted 2145 inspections in various markets. They took action against 152 profiteers and imposed a fine of Rs 1.6 million on them.
He said that the Punjab government attaches priority to control prices of essential items for which a zero tolerance policy is being adopted. He said that all price control magistrates have been made active in the distric